7 August 2017 - The Scottish Medicines Consortium has today published advice accepting three new medicines for routine use by NHSScotland.

Carfilzomib (Kyprolis) was accepted for use in combination with another medicine, dexamethasone, for the treatment of multiple myeloma, an incurable and complex cancer of the blood cells. Carfilzomib was considered through SMC’s Patient and Clinician Engagement (PACE) process for medicines used for very rare conditions. Carfilzomib can increase overall survival and progression free survival compared to other current treatment options, and also has a more favourable side effect profile. In the PACE meeting, patient groups and clinicians spoke of how multiple myeloma becomes resistant to treatment over time, so there is a need for different treatment options.

Also accepted following consideration through PACE, was venetoclax (Venclyxto) which can be used in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, a cancer of the white blood cells). PACE participants highlighted that patients have limited options when initial treatments fail or are unsuitable. Ventoclax has the potential to offer patients a substantial reduction in symptoms and an improved quality of life.

Desmopressin for the treatment of idiopathic nocturnal polyuria, a condition where people need to pass urine frequently during the night, was also accepted.

Read SMC press release