May 2026 decisions news release

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), which advises on newly licensed medicines for use by NHSScotland, has today (Monday, May 11) published advice on five medicines.

Enfortumab vedotin (Padcev®) was accepted, when used with pembrolizumab, for the first-line treatment of adults with advanced bladder cancer.

Amivantamab (Rybrevant®) was accepted, when used with lazertinib, for the first-line treatment of adults with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, where the cancer cells have certain mutations.

Durvalumab (Imfinzi®) was accepted for the treatment of adults with limited-stage small cell lung cancer, where the cancer has not progressed after chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Budesonide (Kinpeygo®) was accepted for the treatment of adults with primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). IgAN is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually fail, meaning many patients will need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Nemolizumab (Nemluvio®) was not recommended for the treatment of adults with prurigo nodularis, a chronic skin condition that causes intense itching and hard bumps on the skin called nodules.

SMC Chair Dr Robert Peel said:

“The committee is pleased to be able to accept these new medicines for use by NHSScotland.

“Enfortumab vedotin, used together with pembrolizumab for the first-line treatment of advanced bladder cancer, brings the most significant improvement in extending life expectancy for bladder cancer patients in a long time.

“Amivantamab, used together with lazertinib, offers an effective first-line treatment option for patients with certain types of advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

“Durvalumab is the first treatment option available for adults with limited-stage small cell lung cancer, whose cancer has not got worse after chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and offers survival benefits for these patients.

“Budesonide is one of the first disease modifying treatments for IgAN and can help to slow the decline in kidney function for patients with this impactful long-term kidney condition.

“The committee was unable to accept nemolizumab for the treatment of prurigo nodularis.  The company’s evidence around the cost effectiveness of the treatment compared with other options was not sufficient. We would welcome a resubmission from the company addressing the issues we have raised.”