October 2025 decisions news release
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), which advises on newly licensed medicines for use by NHSScotland, has today (Monday, October 13) published advice on seven medicines.
Nusinersen (Spinraza®) was accepted for the treatment of type 2 or type 3 spinal muscular atrophy, a very rare genetic condition that causes muscle wasting. 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 now been accepted by SMC for routine use.
Durvalumab (Imfinzi®) was accepted for the treatment of adults with advanced endometrial cancer.
Fruquintinib (Fruzaqla®) was accepted for the treatment of adults with metastatic colorectal cancer who have received previous treatment.
Linzagolix (Yselty®) was accepted for the treatment of women with endometriosis who have had previous treatment.
Belantamab mafodotin (Blenrep®) was accepted when used together with bortezomib and dexamethasone, for treating adults with myeloma. This is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow.
However, belantamab mafodotin (Blenrep®), used together with pomalidomide and dexamethasone, was not recommended for treating adults with myeloma.
Capivasertib (Truqap®), used together with fulvestrant, was not recommended for the treatment of adults 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.
“Spinal muscular atrophy is a devastating condition for patients and their families. Nusinersen is another treatment option which may be better suited for some patients.
“Durvalumab fulfils an unmet need for some patients with advanced endometrial cancer and can slow disease progression more than current chemotherapy alone for first-line treatment.
“Fruquintinib provides an oral targeted treatment option for patients with metastatic bowel cancer.
“Belantamab mafodotin, when used together with bortezomib and dexamethasone, provides a new class of medicine to treat myeloma. However, the committee was unable to accept belantamab mafodotin, when used together with pomalidomide and dexamethasone, as the company’s evidence around the cost effectiveness of the treatment was not sufficient.
“The committee was also unable to accept capivasertib as the company’s evidence around the cost effectiveness compared with current treatments 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.”