The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) recently published advice pertaining to the acceptance of three new therapies for use by NHS Scotland.
Inotersen (Tegsedi) has been accepted for the treatment of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis in adults with stage 1 or 2 polyneuropathy. Evidence from a phase 2/3 trial showed that inotersen was associated with significantly lower worsening of polyneuropathy vs placebo.
Buprenorphine (Buvidal) has been accepted for the treatment of opioid dependence in individuals aged ≥16 years within a framework of medical, social and psychological treatment. However, its use is restricted to patients in whom methadone is unsuitable and to those in whom the use of buprenorphine is considered appropriate. Evidence from a phase 3 study showed that subcutaneous buprenorphine was non-inferior to sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone for the treatment of opioid dependence in patients with a mean negative result for illicit opioids.
Tildrakizumab (Ilumetri) has been accepted for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are suitable candidates for systemic therapy. However, its use is restricted to patients who either have a non-response, intolerance or contraindication to conventional systemic therapies (including ciclosporin, methotrexate and phototherapy). Clinical evidence showed that tildrakizumab had superiority over placebo in improving the signs and symptoms of psoriasis in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
The SMC advice considers the benefits of a 'Patient Access Scheme' that improves the cost-effectiveness of inotersen and tildrakizumab.
