Six new medicines approved for use on NHS Scotland
Six new medicines for conditions including cancer and liver disease will be made available for NHS Scotland patients.
Cancer patients suffering from a rare type of lung cancer, known as ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who are at high risk of recurrence following surgery were given hope with a new drug, Alectinib (Alecensa), while some adults with advanced cholangiocarcinoma, a cancer of the bile ducts, can now be treated with new drug Futibatinib (Lytgobi).
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) welcomed the addition of oral medication for lung cancer patients, as it approved six new drugs, but did not approve a seventh new drug, also for cancer patients, on the grounds of uncertainty over cost-effectiveness.
Cancer drug Tebentafusp (Kimmtrak) was not recommended for the treatment of adults with uveal melanoma – a rare type of cancer of the eye – where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed by surgery, due to questions over cost-effectiveness.
Patients with chronic kidney disease can now receive Dapagliflozin (Forxiga), while adults suffering from a rare type of liver disease called primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), can receive Elafibranor (Iqirvo).
New drug Bimekizumab (Bimzelx) was accepted for the treatment of adults with hidradenitis suppurativa, a long-term skin condition that causes abscesses and scarring on the skin, while new treatment Eplontersen (Wainzua) was accepted for the treatment of adults with a rare hereditary nerve condition called transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (ATTRv amyloidosis).
The committee is pleased to be able to accept these new medicines for use by NHS Scotland
The first self-administered monthly pre-filled pen for ATTRv-PN was hailed as a “positive step” by a patient group.
Vince Nicholas, trustee and treasurer of Amyloidosis UK and also a patient, said: “Living with hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis presents significant daily challenges for patients and their families.
“From progressive nerve damage to mobility difficulties, the burden of this rare disease is profound and often misunderstood.
“Today’s decision represents a positive step forward for patients and the management of this condition in Scotland.”
SMC chair Dr Scott Muir said: “The committee is pleased to be able to accept these new medicines for use by NHS Scotland.
“Alectinib will provide a targeted treatment for people with ALK-positive NSCLC who have had surgery to remove their lung cancer but are at high risk of it coming back. It is an oral treatment which is often preferred by patients.
“Elafibranor provides a treatment option for the rare liver condition, PBC, where there are few available.
“Bimekizumab will provide another treatment option for the impactful skin condition, hidradenitis suppurativa, that may help patients control their symptoms.
“The committee was unable to accept tebentafusp for treating patients with uveal melanoma. The company’s evidence around the cost-effectiveness of the treatment compared with currently available treatments was too uncertain. We would welcome a re-submission from the company addressing the issues we have raised.”
Tom Keith-Roach, president of AstraZeneca UK, said: “We are delighted that the SMC has accepted eplontersen for use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of ATTRv in adults with stage 1 and 2 polyneuropathy.
“This decision marks a step forward for eligible patients in Scotland, who now have another treatment option for this progressive and debilitating condition, with additional flexibility and choice around being treated in clinic or at home.”
Claire Gillings, UK medical lead for lung cancer at alectanib manufacturer Roche Products, welcomed the drug being accepted for routine use on the NHS in Scotland for patients with the rare cancer.
She said: “This is an important outcome for patients with this aggressive form of lung cancer, which has a high risk of recurrence and often affects younger people with little or no smoking history.”
