June 2024 decisions news release

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

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) was accepted for weight management in adults and is to be used alongside diet and exercise to help people lose weight. 

Glofitamab (Columvi®) and epcoritamab (Tepkinly®) were both accepted for use as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, who have relapsed or not responded after two previous lines of treatment.

Voxelotor (Oxbryta®) was accepted for the treatment of haemolytic anaemia, excess breakdown of red blood cells, due to sickle cell disease in patients aged 12 years and older.

Etrasimod (Velsipity®) was accepted for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel condition, in patients who are 16 years of age or older.

Momelotinib (Omjjara®) was accepted for the treatment of an enlarged spleen, or symptoms in adults with myelofibrosis, a condition where the bone marrow becomes very dense and rigid and produces abnormal blood cells.

SMC Vice Chair Graeme Bryson said:

“Obesity is a serious public health issue in Scotland. The committee has accepted tirzepatide that will help patients with obesity lose and manage their weight when used together with exercise and a reduced-calorie diet. This is another option for people with weight-related health conditions.

“We are pleased to be able to accept two medicines for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), glofitamab and epcoritamab. The committee heard from patient representatives the impact this condition has on patients and their families, and the expected benefits these new medicines could bring.

“We know that sickle cell disease can have a huge impact on people’s lives and that our decision to accept voxelotor will be welcomed by patients and their families.”