November 2025 decisions news release
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), which advises on newly licensed medicines for use by NHSScotland, has today (Monday, November 10) published advice on nine medicines.
Durvalumab (Imfinzi®) was accepted, when used together with tremelimumab, as a first-line treatment for adults with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer.
Ribociclib (Kisqali®) was accepted, used together with an aromatase inhibitor, to treat early stage breast cancer that is at high risk of recurrence.
Isatuximab (Sarclisa®), used together with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone was accepted for the treatment of adults with newly diagnosed myeloma.
Mercaptamine (Procysbi®) was accepted for the treatment of nephropathic cystinosis, a rare inherited condition where cystine builds up in cells causing damage, especially in the kidneys.
Guselkumab (Tremfya®) was accepted for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis who have not responded to other treatments.
Guselkumab (Tremfya®) was also accepted for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe active Crohn’s disease, who have not responded to other treatments.
Budesonide (Budenofalk®) was accepted for the short-term treatment of adults with mild to moderate acute ulcerative colitis affecting the rectum.
Tarlatamab (Imdylltra®) was not recommended for the treatment of adults with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, who have already received at least two lines of treatment.
Elacestrant (Korserdu®) was not recommended for the treatment of post-menopausal women, and men, with a certain type of advanced breast cancer.
SMC Chair Dr Scott Muir said:
“The committee is pleased to be able to accept these new medicines for use by NHSScotland.
“Durvalumab, used together with tremelimumab, provides an immunotherapy treatment option for people with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
“Ribociclib can reduce the risk of recurrence in patients with high-risk early breast cancer.
“Isatuximab, used in combination, provides an effective first-line treatment option to delay the progression of cancer for patients with myeloma.
“We know from the powerful testimony from patient groups that mercaptamine (Procysbi®) with its less frequent dosing schedule will bring benefits to patients and their families.
“The committee was unable to accept tarlatamab for the treatment of adults with extensive stage small cell lung cancer. The company’s evidence around the cost effectiveness of the treatment compared to currently available options was not sufficient.
“The committee was also unable to accept elacestrant for advanced breast cancer as the company’s evidence around the cost effectiveness of the treatment compared to currently available options was not sufficient.
“For the medicines we were unable to accept we would welcome a resubmission from the companies addressing the issues we have raised.”