Scottish Medicines Consortium approves Zepatier to treat chronic hepatitis C

The SMC approved the use of Elbasvir-grazoprevir, known as Zepatier, saying it is a combination of two medicines that inhibit the replication of the Hepatitis C virus and offers the prospect of a cure for hepatitis C infection.

The consortium also approved Pembrolizumab, known as Keytruda, to treat late-stage non-small cell lung cancer.

Deferasirox (Exjade) was accepted for treatment of an excess of iron in the body that generates from frequent blood transfusions in some patients with myelodysplastic syndrome blood disorder.

The SMC has also accepted a buprenorphine skin patch, marketed as Butec, for use in patients aged over 65 years old with chronic pain that is not associated with cancer.

Dalbavancin (Xydalba) was accepted to treat acute bacterial skin and skin structure (tissue below the skin) infections in adults.

The SMC chairman Jonathan Fox said: “For patients suffering from iron excess as a result of blood transfusions for MDS, deferasirox will offer a welcome alternative treatment for those for whom an infusion pump is not an option. 

“Eradicating hepatitis C is a key commitment for Scottish Government and new medicines for this condition will help achieve this aim. Buprenorphine skin patches will provide a further treatment option for moderate chronic pain in some patients.” 

The SMC’s committee did not accept two medicines for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

The committee had concerns about the medicine’s benefits, noting that it would not be a good use of NHS resources. 

With carfilzomib, the committee felt that the data about the overall survival benefits of the medicine was not strong enough to fulfill its cost to the NHS.

Image: Zepatier dose pack.  Photo: courtesy of CNW Group/Merck Canada Inc.