Drug approved for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis on NHS in Scotland
The Scottish Medicines Consortium has approved several drugs, including one for a form of multiple sclerosis (MS).
The organisation has published advice on the new treatments to be used by NHS Scotland.
It has given its approval for siponimod (Mayzent) to be used by adult patients who have secondary progressive MS.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “We welcome the decision by the independent SMC to approve Mayzent, which can support treatment of adult patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis where the disease is active.
“Being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis is devastating for all those affected and we are committed to supporting and continually improving patient care.
“Whilst this medicine isn’t a cure for multiple sclerosis, it can slow the progression of the disease and delay disability.”
Siponimod is the first disease-modifying therapy for this group of patients.
It could allow people to remain independent for longer.
Meanwhile, ibrutinib (Imbruvica) was accepted for the treatment of Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia in combination with another medicine, rituximab.
The body approved carfilzomib (Kyprolis) for the treatment of multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer with a relapsing and remitting course that evolves over time and becomes resistant to treatment.
Avelumab (Bavencio) was accepted for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) when given together with axitinib.
The SMC has also published an initial assessment report for cerliponase alfa (Brineura) for the treatment of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2).
This is a life-limiting, inherited condition in children that leads to progressive brain damage.
It can lead to them rapidly losing their ability to walk, talk, swallow and see.
The submitting pharmaceutical company must now describe how further data on the effects of the medicine will be collected.
Cerliponase alfa will then be available on the NHS for three years while this information is gathered.
After this, the SMC will review the evidence and make a decision on routine availability in NHS Scotland.
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