The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has approved six new drugs for use within NHS Scotland, including a breakthrough breast cancer treatment that could extend the lives of patients battling advanced forms of the disease. However, a promising Alzheimer’s medication was denied due to concerns over cost-effectiveness.
New Hope for Breast Cancer Patients
Among the newly approved treatments is Olaparib, a targeted therapy for adults with breast cancer linked to the BRCA1 gene or those with mutated HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. Marketed under the brand name Lynparza, the drug offers fresh hope for patients with limited treatment options.
Claire Rowney, Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Now, welcomed the decision, stating, “It’s brilliant this targeted treatment has been made available on the NHS in Scotland. Crucially, it offers people living with incurable secondary breast cancer an additional drug option to help stop their cancer from progressing for longer, so they can continue doing the things that matter most to them.”
Other Cancer Treatments Given the Green Light
The approval of Olaparib is part of a broader expansion of cancer treatment options. Two additional oncology drugs were accepted:
- Cemiplimab: A second-line treatment for women with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer that has progressed despite chemotherapy.
- Durvalumab: A therapy used alongside chemotherapy for newly diagnosed patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.
Dr. Scott Muir, Chair of the SMC, highlighted the importance of these approvals, saying, “Cemiplimab offers a second-line treatment option for patients with advanced cervical cancer, where there are few others available.”
Alzheimer’s Drug Rejected Over Cost Concerns
Despite these advancements, not all proposed treatments made the cut. The SMC declined approval for Lecanemab, an Alzheimer’s medication that has been shown to slow disease progression. The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has already deemed it effective, but the SMC cited “uncertainty” over its clinical benefits relative to its high cost.
Campaigners have expressed frustration over the decision. Henry Simmons, Chief Executive of Alzheimer Scotland, said, “We are disappointed by the decision, which was based on the medicine’s cost in relation to the evidence of its clinical benefit. We remain optimistic that these initial hurdles will be overcome and, after decades of waiting, that new treatments will be approved for NHS use soon.”
Advancements Beyond Cancer
The SMC’s latest approvals extend beyond oncology, covering a range of conditions:
- Fenfluramine: Approved for treating Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy.
- Cabotegravir: An injectable medication to prevent HIV in high-risk adults and adolescents.
- Netarsudil/Latanoprost: A combination drug for reducing eye pressure in glaucoma patients.
Dr. Muir underscored the importance of Cabotegravir, stating, “When used together with safer sex practices, Cabotegravir may help to reduce the spread of HIV, which is an ongoing priority for the Scottish government.”
Cost vs. Access: A Balancing Act
The SMC’s role is to balance patient need with financial viability. While many have praised the latest approvals, the rejection of Lecanemab highlights the ongoing challenge of ensuring innovative treatments reach those who need them most without overburdening the NHS budget.
The mixed results from this round of drug assessments illustrate the difficult trade-offs facing healthcare systems worldwide. As drug prices continue to rise, the battle between cost-effectiveness and access to life-extending treatments is unlikely to subside anytime soon.
