The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) recently published advice pertaining to acceptance of 3 new therapies for use by NHS Scotland.
Ciclosporin 0.1% eye drops emulsion (Verkazia) has been accepted for treating severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis in children (≥4 years) and adolescents. Ciclosporin use was associated with improvements in keratitis, reduced need for rescue medication and lower risk for corneal ulcers.
Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) has been accepted for treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) among adults with clinically or radiologically confirmed active disease. Its use should be restricted to patients who are contraindicated to or unsuitable to receive alemtuzumab. Evidence from phase 2 trials demonstarted superiority of ocrelizumab over another disease-modifying therapy in patients with RMS.
Brivaracetam (Briviact) has been accepted for adjunctive treatment of partial-onset seizures with or without secondary generalisation in children aged 4 to 15 years. Its use should be restricted to refractory epilepsy, and therapy should be initiated by clinicians experienced in treating epilepsy.