The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has approved medication for MS,type 2 diabetes,ulcerative colitis, andconstipation.
MS
Fampridine(Fampyra, Biogen Idec) was approved to help improve walking in adults withmultiple sclerosis(MS).
The decision on the oral treatment came after patient groups highlighted the lack of medical treatment options for MS patients with walking disability.
SMC Chair Dr Alan MacDonald said: "For people with MS who experience walking disability, being able to access a medicine that can improve this even to a limited degree is of benefit, and we know our decision on fampridine will be welcomed."
The MS Society's director in Scotland, Morna Simpkins, said in a statement that it was "fantastic" that fampridine had been approved in Scotland.
"This treatment could be life-changing for many people living with the symptoms of MS – making an important difference to walking and energy levels," she said.
"We hope appraisal bodies in other parts of the UK follow suit as soon as possible, so everyone with MS can access fampridine when they need it," she added.
Insulin glargine/lixisenatide(Suliqua, Sanofi) was approved as a treatment option for type 2 diabetes alongsidemetforminin patients whose blood glucose levels are not satisfactorily controlled with metformin andinsulin.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ustekinumab(Stelara, Janssen-Cilag) was approved for moderately to severely active ulcerativecolitis.
Dr MacDonald said: "Ustekinumab offers an alternative treatment option for those patients with ulcerative colitis and may reduce the requirement for surgery in some patients."
Naldemedine(Rizmoic, Shionogi) was approved for constipation caused by opioids.
Dr MacDonald said: "For patients being treated with opioid painkillers such asmorphine, naldemedine provides an alternative for treating constipation when previous medicines have been ineffective."
