UNSPSC 51111905: Porfimer sodium

This classification denotes a photosensitizing agent with the molecular formula (C34H35N4NaO5)n.(C34H33N4NaO4)n, a preparation that US FDA regulates as an active ingredient or moiety under Unique Ingredient Identifier Y3834SIK5F, chemically known as 21h,23h-porphine-2,18-dipropanoic acid, 7-(1-(1-(8,12-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-17-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3,7,13,18-tetramethyl-21h,23h-porphin-2-yl)ethoxy)ethyl)-12-(1-hydroxyethyl)-3,8,13,17-tetramethyl- but generally known as porfimer sodium, which bears US NIH Compound Identifier 57166.

UNSPSC 51111905 Porfimer sodium is a Commodity code that classifies pharmaceutical products — specifically the photosensitizing agent porfimer sodium used in photodynamic therapy for certain cancers. State and local governments procure this drug primarily through health department pharmacy programs, Medicaid agencies, and public hospital systems that treat eligible patient populations. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission, as evidenced by its April 2026 RFI on direct-to-manufacturer prescription programs, represents the primary issuing body type under this code — state health agencies and Medicaid programs managing pharmacy benefit procurement and seeking to optimize drug sourcing channels outside traditional pharmacy benefit manager and group purchasing organization arrangements.

Recent activity centers on Texas, where the HHS Commission issued RFI No. HHS0017013 on March 27, 2026 (response deadline April 3, 2026) to gather vendor capabilities for implementing a Therapeutic Pharmacy Initiative Direct-to-Manufacturer Prescriptions program. This RFI seeks information from vendors regarding their experience with direct contracting for self-insured employers and health plans, flexibility to negotiate contracts based on negotiated net pricing models without rebates, and capability to implement value-based or outcomes-based agreements. The RFI is exploratory in nature — designed to inform the state's future procurement strategy before issuing a formal RFP — and does not specify award values, budget allocations, set-aside designations, or incumbent contractor information at this stage.