SMC recommends three new medicines

Amgen’s Kyprolis (carfilzomib) 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. Kyprolis was considered through SMC’s Patient and Clinician Engagement (PACE) process for medicines used for very rare conditions.

Kyprolis 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 AbbVie’s Venclyxto (venetoclax), 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.

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

The committee did not recommend Biofrontera’s Ameluz (5-aminolaevulinic acid hydrochloride) for routine use by NHS Scotland. Ameluz is a gel which can be used to treat basal cell carcinoma (a low grade type of skin cancer) unsuitable for surgical removal. The committee was unable to recommend the medicine as it was not considered to be cost effective when compared to other similar preparations.