February 2024 decisions news release

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

Dupilumab (Dupixent®) was accepted for treating adults with prurigo nodularis (PN). PN is a rare skin condition with a rash that causes intense itching and lumps.  Dupilumab is for treating moderate-to-severe forms of the condition and is the first targeted treatment to be specifically licensed for PN.

Loncastuximab tesirine (Zynlonta®) was accepted to treat adult patients with two types of blood cancers, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and high-grade B-cell lymphoma.

Secukinumab (Cosentyx®) was accepted for the treatment of adults with hidradenitis suppurativa, a long-term skin condition that causes abscesses and scarring on the skin.

Difelikefalin (Kapruvia®) was accepted for treating itchy skin in adult patients with chronic kidney disease who are receiving dialysis.

Cabozantinib (Cabometyx®) was not recommended for treating adults with a rare type of cancer called differentiated thyroid carcinoma. 

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

“We know that our decision on dupilumab will be welcomed by patients with prurigo nodularis and their families. This is the first targeted treatment licensed for this very impactful skin condition.

“We also accepted secukinumab for hidradenitis suppurativa, another impactful skin condition. Secukinumab will be an additional treatment option that may help patients control their symptoms.

“Loncastuximab tesirine offers another treatment option for patients with certain types of blood cancers who have already received two lines of treatment and have very few treatment options.

“Difelikefalin will provide a treatment option to help reduce the burden of itch related to chronic kidney disease, which is common in patients undergoing dialysis.

“The committee was not able to accept cabozantinib for treating adults with advanced thyroid cancer as the evidence provided by the company was not strong enough. We would welcome a resubmission addressing the clinical and cost uncertainties that we have raised.”