UNSPSC 51111904: Paclitaxel

This classification denotes a taxane compound and taxane-site binding agent with the molecular formula C47H51NO14, a preparation that US FDA regulates as an active ingredient or moiety under Unique Ingredient Identifier P88XT4IS4D, chemically known as 12-benzoate, 9-ester with (2r,3s)-n-benzoyl-3-phenylisoserine but generally known as paclitaxel, which bears US NIH Compound Identifier 36314. European Medicines Agency schedules Paclitaxel in its eXtended EudraVigilance Medicinal Product Dictionary or XEVMPD under Index SUB09583MIG.

UNSPSC 51111904 Paclitaxel is a Commodity code covering the pharmaceutical active ingredient paclitaxel, a chemotherapy agent commonly procured by state health agencies and Medicaid programs as part of pharmacy benefit management and direct pharmaceutical sourcing initiatives. State and local governments acquire paclitaxel primarily through health and human services departments managing pharmacy benefit programs, Medicaid formularies, and cancer treatment protocols for covered populations. Purchasing patterns reflect a shift toward direct-to-manufacturer contracting models that bypass traditional pharmacy benefit managers and group purchasing organizations, particularly in states exploring cost-containment strategies and value-based pharmaceutical sourcing. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission represents the category of issuing body active under this code—state health departments managing pharmacy procurement at scale for employee health plans and Medicaid populations.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission issued Request for Information (RFI) No. HHS0017013 on March 27, 2026, with a response deadline of April 3, 2026, to gather vendor capabilities and market intelligence regarding direct-to-manufacturer prescription fulfillment. The RFI seeks vendor experience with direct contracting for self-insured employers and health plans in both private and government sectors within the preceding two years, flexibility to negotiate contracts based on negotiated net pricing models without rebates, and capability to implement value-based or outcomes-based agreements. The RFI functions as a foundational information-gathering phase prior to formal competitive solicitation; no award values, budget ranges, or set-aside designations are specified at this stage. Geographic activity centers on Texas, where the state is developing detailed procurement specifications and implementation timelines for subsequent formal solicitations to support the Texas HHS Commission's pharmacy benefit objectives.