August 2024 decisions news release

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), which advises on newly licensed medicines for use by NHSScotland, has today (Monday, August 12) published advice on two medicines.

Etranacogene dezaparvovec (Hemgenix®) was accepted on an interim basis for the treatment of adults with haemophilia B, an inherited bleeding disorder. The medicine will be available while further evidence is gathered. Following this, SMC will review the evidence and decide on routine availability in NHSScotland.

Trifluridine/tipiracil (Lonsurf®), used together with bevacizumab, was accepted for the treatment of adults with advanced colorectal cancer who have already received two lines of treatment.

SMC Chair Dr Scott Muir said: “We are pleased to be able to accept these medicines for use by NHSScotland.

“Etranacogene dezaparvovec is an innovative gene therapy medicine which offers a one-off treatment for patients.  The clinical evidence is promising but the long-term effectiveness is still uncertain. The committee look forward to reviewing the updated evidence when available to ensure that this treatment offers good value to patients in NHSScotland.

“Trifluridine/tipiracil, used together with bevacizumab, offers another treatment option for patients with advanced bowel cancer who have already received two lines of treatment.”