Named-patient supply
When a patient needs a medicine that is not registered or not available in their country, a hospital or physician can request it for that patient. We source it from a licensed manufacturer and ship it with the documents the import route requires.
In short
Named-patient supply is the import of an unlicensed or unavailable medicine for one identified patient, at the request of the treating physician or hospital and under a route set by the destination regulator. MedsAcross sources the medicine, checks the paperwork with a pharmacist and ships it to the licensed hospital or importer, never to the patient directly.
What it is
Most countries let a licensed party import a medicine that is not registered locally when a patient has a clinical need that registered products cannot meet. The names differ, for example named-patient import, special access or unregistered medicine import, but the pattern is the same. A doctor documents the need, a licensed hospital or importer applies or notifies, and the regulator approves or does not object.
We act as the export supplier. We find the product, confirm batch and expiry, collect the manufacturer's documents, quote with a firm lead time and ship to your hospital or licensed importer.
Who it is for
- Hospital and clinic pharmacies treating a specific patient
- Physicians requesting a medicine for a patient in their care
- Licensed importers and wholesalers acting for a hospital
- Families, through the treating doctor and their hospital
Who uses this service
How it works, step by step
Typical times from our process. Your quote shows the lead time for your medicine and your country.
- 1
Request
Same daySend the medicine, strength, quantity, destination and the date needed. Add the prescription or physician request if you already have it.
- 2
Route and document check
Within 1 business dayWe confirm the legal route for your country and list the documents your regulator and ours require.
- 3
Pharmacist review
Within the quote targetA pharmacist reviews the prescription, the import approval or notification and patient consent where it is required.
- 4
Quote
24 to 48 hoursA quote addressed to the hospital or licensed consignee with price, validity, Incoterm, lead time and the document list.
- 5
Payment and import approval
Set by your regulatorPayment in advance by wire transfer. Dispatch waits until the import approval is issued or the notification period has passed.
- 6
Procurement and dispatch
7 to 10 days, then transitWe procure from the licensed source, record batch and expiry, attach the certificate of analysis and ship.
Documents needed
Your quote comes with a checklist that shows who provides each document and its status.
Prescription or physician request
Signed by the treating physician, naming the patient or a patient code, the medicine, the dose and the duration.
Import approval or notification
The special-access permit, import licence or proof of notification issued in your country.
Hospital or importer licence
The licence of the party that receives and holds the medicine.
Patient consent
Where your route requires it, the patient's informed consent to treatment with an unlicensed medicine.
Certificate of analysis
Issued by the manufacturer for the supplied batch and sent with the shipment.
Export permission from India
For products not approved in India, the export NOC from the Indian drug regulator, arranged with the manufacturer.
Legal route notes
Rules differ by country and change over time. Each note cites a regulator or a published legal analysis. Your local regulatory adviser confirms the route for your case.
United Kingdom. A WDA(H) or MSL holder notifies the MHRA before importing. The import must not go ahead if the MHRA objects within 28 days, urgent cases are assessed in about 2 working days, and cost is not an accepted reason.
Source: GOV.UK, notification of intent to import an unlicensed medicine
Russia. Medical institutions and wholesalers may import an unregistered medicine for a specific patient's vital needs only with Ministry of Health permission, decided within 5 working days.
Source: Brace Law Firm, import of medicinal products into Russia
Brazil. Health establishments import unregistered products for their own care under ANVISA RDC 488/2021, with a technical justification.
United Arab Emirates. Approved hospitals may import unregistered medicines with Ministry of Health approval, and the importing hospital is liable for the import and use.
Source: Al Tamimi and Co, importation of unregistered drugs in the UAE
Singapore. The HSA runs a special-access route for importing unregistered therapeutic products for a patient's use.
Source: Health Sciences Authority Singapore, import for patients
United States. FDA personal importation is enforcement discretion, not a right, and does not cover unapproved versions of FDA-approved drugs. We do not ship prescription medicines to individuals.
Source: US Congressional Research Service, FDA personal importation policy
India. Since a CDSCO office order of 30 April 2024, export permissions for unapproved, new and banned drugs are issued by CDSCO, and customs clearance must match the permission.
Source: USISPF, CDSCO NOC for unapproved, banned and new drugs for export
Check your country
Each import guide lists the regulator, the legal routes, the documents and typical approval times.
Questions and answers
Can a patient order a named-patient medicine directly?
No. The request comes from the treating physician or a licensed hospital or importer, and the quote is addressed to them. Families can start the process on our patients page, and we then contact the doctor.
How long does named-patient supply take?
Our quote target is 24 to 48 hours once the request is complete. After payment and import approval, procurement usually takes 7 to 10 days, then transit takes 3 to 7 days by courier or 7 to 15 days by air cargo. The regulator's own approval time comes on top.
Can the same patient receive repeat supplies?
Yes. Each shipment needs a valid prescription and, in many countries, a valid import approval. We can schedule repeat supply against the same case file.
Is a medicine supplied this way licensed in my country?
No. The prescriber takes responsibility for using an unlicensed medicine, which is why regulators ask for a documented clinical need.
What if the medicine is registered in my country but out of stock?
Many regulators allow an unlicensed import during a shortage. Our shortage supply page explains how that works.
References
- 1.GOV.UK, notification of intent to import an unlicensed medicine
- 2.MHRA Inspectorate, supply of unlicensed medicines when a licensed equivalent exists
- 3.Brace Law Firm, import of medicinal products into Russia
- 4.ANVISA, collegiate board vote CD 0662/2025
- 5.Al Tamimi and Co, importation of unregistered drugs in the UAE
- 6.Health Sciences Authority Singapore, import for patients
- 7.US Congressional Research Service, FDA personal importation policy
- 8.USISPF, CDSCO NOC for unapproved, banned and new drugs for export
Request a named-patient medicine
Tell us the medicine, the patient's country and the date needed. We reply with the route, the documents and a quote.