Voluntary scheme for branded medicines: payment percentage for 2022

AI Summary

The 2019 Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access (VPAS) represents a strategic agreement between the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), NHS England, and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). This specific guidance announces that the payment percentage for the 2022 period is fixed at 15 percent. Operating within a regulatory framework designed to balance healthcare affordability with industrial innovation, the scheme implements a cap on the growth of branded medicine sales. The primary objectives are to facilitate faster patient access to high-value treatments while ensuring the National Health Service (NHS) remains financially sustainable. While the document does not list specific company violations or inspection dates—as it is a policy update rather than an enforcement action—it outlines the required fiscal actions for participating pharmaceutical firms to remain compliant with the agreed-upon growth limits. By establishing this 15 percent rate, the framework ensures that the life sciences industry contributes to NHS funding in proportion to market expansion. This policy supports the UK's commitment to a thriving pharmaceutical sector by providing a predictable pricing environment and incentivizing the delivery of effective medicines at an affordable scale for the public health system throughout 2022.