June 2026 decisions news release
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), which advises on newly licensed medicines for use by NHSScotland, has today (Monday, June 8) published advice on seven medicines.
Semaglutide (Wegovy®) was accepted, when used together with diet, and exercise to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as a stroke or heart attack, in adults who are overweight and have cardiovascular disease.
Odevixibat (Bylvay®) was accepted for the treatment of patients six months and older with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC). PFIC is a rare liver condition that causes bile acids to build up in the liver causing damage. Odevixibat has been available for use as part of the ultra-orphan pathway, while further evidence on its effectiveness was collected. Following reassessment, it has now been accepted by SMC for routine use.
Capsaicin (Qutenza®) was accepted for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in adults with diabetes. Neuropathic pain is caused by nerve damage.
Dupilumab (Dupixent®) was accepted, used together with intra-nasal corticosteroids, for the treatment of adults with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). This is a chronic condition that consists of inflammation of the nose and sinuses and small growths called polyps in the nose and sinuses.
Sparsentan (Filspari®) was accepted for the treatment of certain patients with primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). IgAN is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually fail, meaning patients eventually need dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Talquetamab (Talvey®) was accepted for treating adults with advanced myeloma, who have had at least three previous treatments.
Ataluren (Translarna®) was not recommended for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in patients two years or older due to a particular type of mutation. It has been available for use as part of the ultra-orphan pathway, while further evidence on its effectiveness was collected. Following reassessment, it has not been recommended for routine use by SMC.
SMC Chair Dr Rob Peel said:
“The committee is pleased to be able to accept these new medicines for use by NHSScotland.
“Semaglutide will provide a useful treatment option to help reduce major cardiovascular events in patients who are overweight and have cardiovascular disease.
“The severe itchiness and liver damage caused by PFIC has a big impact on the quality of life of patients and their families. After reassessment, the committee was satisfied that odevixibat has the potential to improve the lives of patients and their families and has now been accepted for routine use by SMC.
“Capsaicin offers an additional treatment option for neuropathic pain.
“Dupilumab, used together with intra-nasal corticosteroids, offers an effective treatment option for patients with CRSwNP that have uncontrolled severe disease.
“Sparsentan provides an additional treatment option for IgAN and can help to slow the decline in kidney function for patients with this impactful long-term kidney condition.
“Talquetamab may be a useful additional treatment option for some patients with advanced myeloma who have already received at least three previous treatments.
“The committee was unable to accept ataluren for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy after reassessment through the ultra-orphan framework. The company’s evidence around the clinical and cost effectiveness of the treatment was not sufficient. Patients currently receiving ataluren can continue treatment.”