SMC Decisions — 13 July 2026
The Scottish Medicines Consortium published advice on six medicines on 13 July 2026. Five, which appear to be high cost drugs, were accepted. (Fezolinetant list price in the UK has not been confirmed publicly, but comparable products in the US cost approximately $10,000–15,000 per year. It is accepted within a Patient Access Scheme meaning a confidential discount applies, which suggests the undiscounted price was considered too high for routine commissioning.)
- Fezolinetant (Veoza®) — Accepted for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes and night sweats) due to the menopause, in those who cannot take hormone replacement therapy. 1
- Tebentafusp (Kimmtrak®) — Accepted for the treatment of adults with advanced uveal melanoma, a rare type of cancer of the eye. SMC noted this is the first licensed treatment available for this indication that offers a survival benefit. 1
- Glofitamab (Columvi®) — Accepted in combination with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin, for adults with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma which has relapsed or not responded to treatment and where the patient cannot have a stem cell transplant. 1
- Durvalumab (Imfinzi®) — Accepted in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin and surgery, for adults with bladder cancer that has spread into the muscle layer but has not spread elsewhere. Eligible patients must be suitable for and willing to undergo surgery to remove the bladder. 1
- Benralizumab (Fasenra®) — Accepted for adults with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), a rare autoimmune condition causing inflammation of blood vessels, that has not responded adequately to existing treatments. 1
- Avapritinib — Not recommended for advanced systemic mastocytosis. The company’s evidence on cost-effectiveness compared with other options was not considered sufficient. The SMC Chair indicated a resubmission with additional evidence would be welcomed. 1
UK–US Trade Agreement relevance to Scotland
The UK–US pharmaceutical arrangement is a UK-wide commitment. Therefore the VPAG rebate reduction and the UK doubling the spend on new branded medications will both increase drug costs for Scotland. The fast-track pilots announced on 2 July apply to NHS England only as Scotland’s SMC process operates independently. However, these changes are likely to increase the number of medicines reaching the SMC for assessment in 2026–2027.
Blueteq comment: Five high-cost specialist medicines accepted in this SMC round continues the pattern of large monthly additions to NHS Scotland’s managed medicines portfolio. Tebentafusp for uveal melanoma is notable as the first licensed treatment offering survival benefit in this rare cancer, making it a candidate for early Blueteq digital form development if Scotland adopts the system.
References
1. Media release: SMC decisions July 2026. Healthcare Improvement Scotland. 13 July 2026. https://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.scot/publications/media-release-smc-decisions-july-2026/
