December 2024 decisions news release

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), which advises on newly licensed medicines for use by NHSScotland, has today (Monday 9 December) published advice on four medicines.

Zanubrutinib (Brukinsa®) was accepted for the treatment of adult patients with marginal zone lymphoma who have already received a previous treatment.  Marginal zone lymphoma is a rare type of cancer of the white blood cells.

Vibegron (Obgemsa®) was accepted to treat adults with overactive bladder syndrome.

Durvalumab (Imfinzi®) was not recommended to treat adult patients with non-small cell lung cancer that can be removed by surgery but has a high risk of recurrence.

Levodopa/carbidopa/entacapone (Lecigon®) was not recommended to treat adults with advanced Parkinson’s disease.

SMC Chair Dr Scott Muir said: “The committee is pleased to be able to accept two new medicines for use by NHSScotland.

“Zanubrutinib offers a targeted treatment option that can be taken at home for patients with marginal zone lymphoma who have already received one line of treatment.

“Vibegron offers an additional oral treatment choice to treat the symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome.

“The committee was not able to accept durvalumab for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer in this setting, due to the uncertainties in the evidence presented when compared to current treatments.

“It was also unable to accept levodopa/carbidopa/entacapone for the treatment of advanced Parkinson’s disease. The company’s evidence around the clinical and cost effectiveness of the treatment compared to currently available options was not sufficient.”