March 2025 decisions news release

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

Talazoparib (Talzenna®), used together with enzalutamide, was accepted for the treatment of adults with prostate cancer.

Cabozantinib (Cabozantinib Ipsen®) was accepted for the treatment of adults with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer, who have already received a previous treatment.

Ripretinib (Qinlock®) was not recommended to treat adults with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST). GIST is a rare type of cancer of the digestive system.

Spesolimab (Spevigo®) was not recommended to treat flare-ups of generalised pustular psoriasis, a rare, severe inflammatory skin condition, in adults.

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

“Talazoparib and cabozantanib offer additional oral treatment options for prostate cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma respectively.

“The committee was not able to accept ripretinib for treating patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumours as there was uncertainty around cost effectiveness in relation to health benefits. We would welcome a resubmission from the company addressing the uncertainties we have raised.  

“The committee was also unable to accept spesolimab for the treatment of flare-ups of generalised pustular psoriasis due to uncertainties in the evidence when compared to current treatments. We would welcome a resubmission from the company addressing the issues we have raised.”