April 2024 decisions news release
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), which advises on newly-licensed medicines for use by NHSScotland, has today (Monday, April 8) published advice on seven medicines.
Dostarlimab (Jemperli®) was accepted for the treatment of advanced endometrial cancer with a specific genetic mutation. It is used in combination with chemotherapy.
Ritlecitinib (Litfulo®) was accepted for treating severe alopecia areata for people who are aged 12 and over. Alopecia areata is a condition that causes hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body.
Mavacamten (Camzyos®) was accepted for treating adults with a heart condition called obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In this condition the muscle in the main chamber of the heart becomes thickened or enlarged which can block the flow of blood to the rest of the body.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) was accepted for treating type 2 diabetes, alongside a diet and exercise regimen.
Daridorexant (Quviviq®) was accepted for treating adults with insomnia (difficulty sleeping) that has lasted for more than three months.
Mirikizumab (Omvoh®) was accepted for the treatment of ulcerative colitis in adults.
Glycopyrronium bromide / formoterol fumarate dihydrate (Bevespi Aerosphere®) was accepted for treating adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
SMC Chair Dr Scott Muir said: “We are very pleased to be able to accept these seven new medicines for use by NHSScotland.
“There are limited treatment options available for the treatment of advanced endometrial cancer and we know that our decision on dostarlimab, which offers improved outcomes compared with chemotherapy alone, will be welcomed by patients and clinicians.
“Alopecia can have a big impact on people’s quality of life. Ritlectinib is the first medicine that SMC has accepted for this condition for routine use in NHSScotland.
“Our decision on mavacamten will be welcomed by patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and their families, as this is the first licensed treatment to specifically target the underlying cause of this impactful heart condition.
“Tirzepatide will provide a helpful treatment option for people with type 2 diabetes.”