October 2024 decisions news release

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), which advises on newly licensed medicines for use by NHSScotland, has today (Monday, October 7) published advice on five medicines.

Selinexor (Nexpovio®) was accepted for treating adults with multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow. It can be used together with bortezomib and dexamethasone for patients who have already received at least one line of treatment or with dexamethasone in those who have already received four lines of treatment.

Pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) was accepted for the treatment of adults with non-small cell lung cancer who are at high risk of recurrence following surgery and chemotherapy.

Relugolix (Orgovyx®) was accepted for the treatment of adult patients with advanced hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.

Rezafungin acetate (Rezzayo®) was accepted for the treatment of adults with invasive candidiasis, a type of life-threatening fungal infection.  

Faricimab (Vabysmo®) was accepted for the treatment of adult patients with visual impairment due to swelling of the macula, a part of the retina, caused by a blockage in the blood flow in a vein of the retina.

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

“Selinexor offers an additional treatment option for patients with multiple myeloma, allowing more personalised treatment.

“Pembrolizumab will provide a treatment for people who have had surgery to remove lung cancer but are at a high risk of the cancer coming back.”