August 2026 decisions news release

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), which advises on newly licensed medicines for use by NHSScotland, has today (Monday, August 10) published advice on seven medicines.

Zilucoplan (Zilbrysq®) was accepted for the treatment of adults with generalised myasthenia gravis, a rare autoimmune condition that causes muscle weakness.

House dust mite allergen extract (Acarizax®) was accepted for the treatment of patients between 18 and 65 years, who have moderate to severe house dust mite allergic rhinitis -inflammation of the lining of the nose.

Cabozantinib (Cabozantinib Ipsen®) was accepted for the treatment of adult patients with certain advanced neuroendocrine tumours. Neuroendocrine tumours are rare and start in the nerve and gland cells that make and release hormones.

Dostarlimab (Jemperli®) was accepted, when used in combination with chemotherapy, for the treatment of adults with a specific type of advanced endometrial cancer.  

Upadacitinib (Rinvoq®) was accepted for the treatment of giant cell arteritis, a rare condition that causes inflammation of the arteries, usually in the head.

Levodopa/carbidopa/entacapone (Lecigon®) was accepted to treat adults with advanced Parkinson’s disease.

Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (Lokelma®) was accepted for the treatment of adults with hyperkalaemia, high levels of potassium in the blood, who have chronic kidney disease or heart failure.

SMC Chair Dr Rob Peel said: “The committee is pleased to be able to accept these new medicines for use by NHSScotland.

“Zilucoplan will provide a more convenient treatment option for some patients with myasthenia gravis who have not been able to get their symptoms adequately controlled with currently available treatments.

“Acarizax® is the first targeted treatment option available specifically for house dust mite allergy and may help patients who have been unable to control their symptoms with currently available treatments.

“Cabozantinib provides a treatment that can help slow the progression of the cancer in patients with certain neuroendocrine tumours, where no other active treatment options are available.

“Dostarlimab, used together with chemotherapy, provides another treatment option, which offers improved outcomes over chemotherapy alone, for patients with this type of advanced endometrial cancer.

“Upadacitinib is an oral treatment option for patients with giant cell arteritis that may help them reduce their corticosteroid dose and reduce the steroid-associated side effects.”