Community Pharmacy England has reminded contractors they can source Inclisiran pre-filled syringes at a “nominal charge” of £45 per pack against NHS prescriptions amid reports some have been charged the full list price of £1,987.36. 

In a statement today (January 27), CPE said that although Inclisiran (Leqvio) 284mg/1.5ml syringes can be ordered from nominated wholesaler AAH for the lower list price agreed between NHS England and manufacturer Novartis, there have been “a few reports” of contractors being charged the full price – which is 44 times higher. 

“Pharmacy teams are advised to check their wholesaler invoices to ensure they have been charged the correct price by AAH UK for Inclisiran,” the negotiator said, advising affected pharmacies to contact AAH directly to “request a repayment of any additional costs”.

If this fails to resolve the issue, CPE advises pharmacies to escalate the matter to Novartis and submit copies of invoices to both companies.

“Should no resolution be identified by the suppliers within five working days of receipt, then contractors should escalate to CPE,” it added.

Private prescriptions for the cholesterol-lowering drug, which was first approved by NICE in August 2021, are charged at the full list price of £1.987.36 per pack and must be sourced directly from Novartis. 

AAH, which is reportedly the subject of auction efforts by current owners Aurelius, has been approached for comment.