September 2026 decisions news release
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), which advises on newly licensed medicines for use by NHSScotland, has today (Monday, September 07) published advice on eight medicines.
Atidarsagene autotemcel (Libmeldy®) was accepted for the treatment of metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), a rare genetic condition that causes damage to the nervous system. Atidarsagene autotemcel 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.
Nusinersen (Spinraza®) was accepted for the treatment of pre-symptomatic 5q spinal muscular atrophy, a very rare genetic condition that causes muscle wasting.
Lorlatinib (Lorviqua®) was accepted to treat adults with advanced ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a rare type of lung cancer.
Capivasertib (Truqap®) was accepted, used together with fulvestrant, for the treatment of adults with a certain type of advanced breast cancer.
Elacestrant (Korserdu®) was accepted for the treatment of post-menopausal women, and men, with a certain type of advanced breast cancer.
Epcoritamab (Tepkinly®) was accepted for the treatment of patients with follicular lymphoma, who have already received two lines of treatment. Follicular lymphoma is a type of blood cancer.
Pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) was accepted to treat patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), that can be removed by surgery.
Seladelpar (Livdelzi®) was accepted for the treatment of adults with primary biliary cholangitis, a rare liver disease.
SMC Chair Dr Rob Peel said:
“The committee is pleased to be able to accept these new medicines for use by NHSScotland.
“MLD is a devastating hereditary disorder and patient group representatives shared powerful testimony with the committee, describing the extent of disability the condition causes and its life-changing impact on patients and families. After reassessment, the committee was satisfied that atidarsagene autotemcel has the potential to improve the lives of patients and their families, and it has now been accepted for routine use by SMC.
“5q spinal muscular atrophy is a complex condition for patients and their families. Nusinersen is another treatment option for use, before symptoms develop, which may be better suited for some patients.
“Our decision on lorlatinib, for the treatment of ALK positive NSCLC, follows its previous acceptance on an interim basis in 2020. We are now pleased to be able to accept it for routine use following further data having been gathered on its benefits.
“Capivasertib and elacestrant provide targeted treatment options for different types of advanced breast cancer that offer improved efficacy compared with currently available treatment options.
“Pembrolizumab offers a treatment that can improve outcomes in patients with HSNCC, that can be removed by surgery, where few treatment options exist.
“Epcoritamab provides a third line treatment option for patients with follicular lymphoma, where few treatment options exist.”