Multiple sclerosis drug approved for NHS treatment 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 it sappro val for si po ni mod ( May zent) 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 multip le 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 macro globu line mi a in combination with another medicine, rituximab. The body approved car filzomib (Kyprolis) for the treatment of multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer with arelapsing and remitting course that evolves overtime and becomes resistant to treatment.
Avelumab (Bavencio) was accepted for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) when it is given together with axitinib.