How Specials Can Deliver Value to the NHS | Page 3

INTRODUCTION
Patient need and benefit
Specials are special-order unlicensed medicines, manufactured to meet the needs of an individual
patient when there is no suitable licensed drug available. Unlicensed medicines may be prescribed in
clinical situations where it is judged that, on the basis of available evidence, this use is in the best interest
of the patient. Patients who receive Specials often have complex and overlapping medical conditions or
co-morbidities. It may be difficult to isolate the specific benefit of the tailored medication, but the
consequence of not receiving it could be far reaching.

The supply chain and relative risk of manufacture
Specials cannot be promoted or marketed and can only be provided if those involved are satisfied that there
is no licensed alternative available. They are manufactured and supplied as a direct result of a specific patient
need, often on a very small scale,