A DRUG which has been shown to slow the progression of advanced skin cancer has been approved months after being rejected on cost grounds.
Nivolumab (Opdivo) was turned down by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) in March because the firm did not provide a “sufficiently robust economic analysis.”
However, it has now been accepted using the Patient Access Scheme, where the cost of the drug is reduced through an agreement with the manufacturer.
Nivolumab, which is produced by Bristol-Myers Squibb, has been shown to delay the progression of advanced melanoma and has different side-effects to existing medicines, increasing the range of potential options for patients.
Figures show cases of skin cancer in Scotland have increased by more than 30 per cent in a decade.
Incidence of malignant melanoma rose by 30.3 per cent from 2003 to 2013 and it is the 6th most common cancer in Scotland.
Leigh Smith of Melanoma Action and Support Scotland (MASScot) said: “We are delighted that Nivolumab will now be available for patients but regret that it required a re-submission.
“Had the price being right at the first submission, we would have had this drug a long time ago and patients would already be benefiting.”
Nivolumab was among six drugs accepted by the SMC including a new treatment for adults suffering from Cystic Fibrosis.
Levofloxacin (Quinsair) is an inhaled treatment that can be used to treat long-term infections.
Tresiba (insulin degludec), a once-daily, long-acting basal insulin for adults with type 1 and 2 diabetes was also accepted for NHS patients.
More than 276,000 people are living with diabetes in Scotland, a 25% increase since 2008.
Dr Russell Drummond, Clinical Director for Medicine at Glasgow Royal Infirmary said: “Hypoglycaemia, low blood sugar, is a common and major concern for my patients, especially at night when it is harder to detect and manage.
“I welcome today’s news, as a larger portfolio of treatment is beneficial to our practice and insulin degludec in particular, has a place in treatment for adults with diabetes, particularly those with type 1 diabetes who face challenges with hypoglycaemia on insulin therapy.”
Alirocumab (Praluent) was accepted for the treatment of high cholesterol in patients at risk of heart disease, whom standard drug therapy has not lowered cholesterol levels adequately.
The drug Secukinumab (Cosentyx) will now be available as a further option for patients suffering from psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory joint disorder associated with psoriasis (a skin disease).
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