Six new drugs approved for NHS use in Scotland
The SMC, the body which approves drugs for use in the health service, said there was "uncertainty" around the "modest clinical benefit" of the drug Lecanemab.The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has deemed the medication as efficient at slowing Alzheimer's disease.The drug is the first Alzheimer's treatment of its kind to be licensed for use in Great Britain but it has not been rolled out in England or Wales either due to the cost.Campaigners at Alzheimer Scotland said they were "disappointed" by the decision, which chief executive Henry Simmons said was "based on the medicine's cost in relation to the evidence of its clinical benefit".He said: "We remain optimistic that these initial hurdles will be overcome and, after decades of waiting, that new treatments will be approved for NHS use soon."
Olaparib - which is also known under the brand name Lynparza - was approved for prescription to adults with breast cancer linked to the BRCA1 gene, or those with mutated HER2-negative advanced breast cancer.Chief executive of Breast Cancer Now, Claire Rowney, said: "It's brilliant this targeted treatment has been made available on the NHS in Scotland."Crucially, it offers people living with incurable secondary breast cancer with an altered BRCA gene an additional drug option to help stop their cancer from progressing for longer, so they can continue doing the things that matter most to them."In addition to olaparib, the SMC approved cemiplimab for treating women with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer, where the cancer has progressed on or after chemotherapy.It also backed the use of durvalumab as a treatment together with chemotherapy for those patients with newly diagnosed extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.
Meanwhile, fenfluramine was approved for use to help treat a serious, rare type of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, with another drug, cabotegravir approved to help prevent sexually transmitted HIV infections in adults and adolescents who are at high risk of being infected.Lastly, the SMC backed the use of netarsudil/latanoprost for patients suffering from high pressure in the eye or the eye condition glaucoma.SMC chairman Dr Scott Muir said: "The committee was pleased to be able to accept six new medicines for use by NHS Scotland."Cabotegravir, when used together with safer sex practices may help to reduce the spread of HIV, which is an ongoing priority for the Scottish government."Cemiplimab offers a second line treatment option for patients with advanced cervical cancer, where there are few others."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
8 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Filthiest household item 'dirtier than your toilet' as GP issues stark warning
Brits are warned to keep an eye on certain household items used every day as they may contain thousands of harmful germs and bacteria despite keeping them 'clean' Even if you keep your kitchen spotless - there is one item that may be holding onto millions of germs and filthier than a toilet seat. There is an estimated 200,000 different species of microbes in homes and some unexpected household items are breeding grounds for different bacteria. According to rubbish clearance experts and NHS GP Dr Hana Patel, items such as kitchen sponges, towels and toothbrush holders are among the biggest culprits in homes. While sponges are a staple for washing up, they are also one of the dirtiest items in the home. They're porous, which means they harbour damp, and combined with food particles, it's the perfect place for bacteria to grow and thrive including E. coli and Salmonella which could lead to infections. The experts recommend to avoid letting these germs harbour on your sponge and build up, to replace your sponge every 1-2 weeks as needed, or when the sponge begins to look worn. Toothbrush holders are also another breeding ground for bacteria - particularly enclosed ones. They can provide the perfect moisture trap for bacteria to grow as toothbrushes are often damp when placed in the holder, making it a moist environment with the potential for mould growth if not frequently cleaned. They can also be exposed to airborne bacteria in the bathroom, such as that from toilet flushing which can release faecal particles. Dr Hana Patel warns: "Toothbrushes which are kept in air conditions have less bacteria than those which are kept closed, and the bacterial growth is 70% higher in wet and protected environments. "The wet environment in the bathroom, where toothbrushes are usually kept, may facilitate the bacterial growth and the crossed contamination, especially that which happens through the aerosols produced during the water passing in lavatories, with enteric types and pseudomonas from the toilets and sanitary drainage." Always ensure your toothbrush is dry before putting it in the holder, and make sure you clean the holder regularly to prevent mould and bacteria build up. The experts also urge people to avoid putting the holder inside an enclosed cupboard or container, as this will trap moisture, limit ventilation, and promote mould and bacteria growth. Reusable bottles are also on the list and while they're good for the environment, these bottles can be a breeding ground for bacteria as they're often moist, providing a breeding ground for bacteria from the user's mouth, food particles, and hands. Without regular and sufficient cleaning, these bacteria can lead to illness. It is advised to ideally wash these bottles daily, to avoid any bacteria growth or moisture build up. Pay particular attention to hard to clean areas such as straws and small crevices, as this is where bacteria can grow if not adequately cleaned. Lastly, bathroom towels are also a risk. Studies have found that a third of people only wash their towels once a month, but this may not be enough. Bathroom towels are often left in damp, warm bathrooms, meaning they have the perfect environment for bacteria and mould growth. Many people believe them to be clean as they are used to dry clean hands, but germs and mould can thrive on our damp towels, and the dampness itself could create problems, as Dr Hana Patel explains: "There are possibly millions of mould species on earth. The rare species that cause diseases do so by triggering allergies or asthma, or may be involved in hypersensitivity diseases. 'Even if visible mould is not present, dampness alone can increase the risk of health problems. Excessive moisture can promote the growth of microorganisms such as mould and other fungi, certain species of house dust mites, bacteria or viruses." To prevent mould growth, Clear It Waste recommends that shower towels be washed every 3-5 uses or a minimum of once a week , and hand towels should be changed every two to three days due to frequency of use.
Glasgow Times
2 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Type 2 diabetes patients set for major shake-up in care
The health service should move from a one-size-fits-all approach of starting everyone on the same medication, to more personalised care that aims to prevent complications like heart failure and heart attacks, according to new draft guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice). This includes making newer type 2 diabetes drugs, known as SGLT-2 inhibitors, a first-line treatment option in a move that could eventually help save tens of thousands of lives. SGLT-2 inhibitors, which include canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, and ertugliflozin, are once-a-day tablets that reduce blood sugar levels by helping the kidneys remove glucose, which is passed from the body through urine. However, analysis by Nice found these drugs are under-prescribed. The new guidelines recommend patients who cannot tolerate metformin – the first-choice in type 2 diabetes medication – should start with an SGLT-2 inhibitor on its own. The decision comes after evidence suggested these drugs protect the heart and kidneys as well as controlling blood sugar, Nice said. It is estimated the change could save almost 22,000 lives once uptake reaches 90% of the population. Nice also suggests some groups of patients would also benefit from GLP-1 receptor agonists such as liraglutide or semaglutide sooner, rather than keeping them for the later stages of treatment. Semaglutide, sold under the brand name Ozempic, is licensed in the UK to treat type 2 diabetes, while its other brand – Wegovy – is also used by the NHS to help obese people lose weight. Professor Jonathan Benger, deputy chief executive and chief medical officer at Nice, said: 'This guidance means more people will be offered medicines where it is right to do so to reduce their future risk of ill health. 'This represents a significant evolution in how we approach type 2 diabetes treatment. 'We're moving beyond simply managing blood sugar to taking a holistic view of a person's health, particularly their cardiovascular and kidney health. 'The evidence shows that certain medicines can provide important cardiovascular benefits, and by recommending them as part of initial treatment, we could help prevent heart attacks, strokes and other serious complications before they occur. 'This is particularly important given that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in people with type 2 diabetes.' Around 4.6 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, with nine in 10 of those having type 2. However, it is estimated that a further 1.3 million people may have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Nice analysed the records of 590,000 people and found SGLT-2 inhibitors are under-prescribed, particularly to women, older people, and black patients. Prof Benger added: 'The evidence from our analysis is clear. There are prescribing gaps that need to be addressed. 'The guideline update published today will help to increase equitable uptake of SGLT-2 inhibitors, which we know can prevent serious health complications.' Dr Waqaar Shah, chairman of the guideline committee, added: 'We know that SGLT-2 inhibitors are currently under-prescribed, and our health economics analysis shows that people living in the most deprived areas would particularly benefit from universal access to these treatments. 'These recommendations could help reduce health inequalities while providing better outcomes for everyone.' Elsewhere, the draft guidance suggests different treatments for diabetes patients with certain characteristics or health conditions. These include adults with cardiovascular disease, who should be offered a triple therapy including a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Meanwhile, adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before 40 should be offered dual therapy before a GLP-1 receptor agonist is considered, while patients with chronic kidney disease should have tailored recommendations based on their kidney function. A public consultation on the new Nice guidelines is open until October 2. Douglas Twenefour, head of clinical at Diabetes UK, said: 'This long-awaited announcement propels type 2 diabetes treatment into the 21st century. 'Boosting access to newer treatments will be transformative for people with type 2 diabetes, while ensuring the UK keeps pace with the global momentum in treating the condition. 'The majority of people with type 2 diabetes are not currently taking the most effective medication for them, putting them at risk of devastating diabetes-related complications. 'Diabetes is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, and tailoring treatment based on individual risk could protect thousands against heart attacks and kidney disease. 'These guidelines could go a long way to easing the burden of living with this relentless condition, as well as helping to address inequities in type 2 diabetes treatments and outcomes.'
Glasgow Times
2 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
At-home hepatitis C tests identify hundreds with the virus
Officials said more than 100,000 people have ordered at-home hepatitis C tests since the service was launched in May 2023. This includes 15,463 tests ordered in the week after the Infected Blood Inquiry published its final report on May 2024. Hepatitis C often shows no signs until serious damage is done. It can be treated, so testing is key to help you help reduce your risk. #WorldHepatitisDay #HepC🔗 — UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) July 28, 2025 Hepatitis C is a virus that is passed on through blood-to-blood contact and infects the liver. The disease is known as a 'silent killer' as some people can live with the virus for many years before realising that they are infected. But the delay in diagnosis can lead to irreparable liver damage, including scarring and cancer. If people test positive they can often be treated by taking antiviral tablets to fight off the virus for several weeks. People who test positive may also be offered a test to see whether any damage has been caused to the liver. Health officials said that 105,998 people have ordered an at-home NHS hepatitis C test online since the service was launched in 2023. Among those diagnosed under the NHS scheme so far, NHS England said that seven in 10 are from deprived communities. And it said that the most common risk factors reported by positive cases include injecting drug use, sharing needles and other drug paraphernalia and a history of prison. It is understood that only a very small number identified after ordering a test online had a positive result after receiving contaminated blood. In May this year NHS England also launched a system which means that people of a certain age who newly register with GP practices in England will be asked if they had a blood transfusion prior to 1996 in a bid to find more victims of the infected blood scandal. The Infected Blood Inquiry, which examined the scandal in depth, recommended that the health service should work to 'find the undiagnosed'. More than 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after they were given contaminated blood and blood products between the 1970s and early 1990s. And more than 3,000 people have died as a result while survivors are living with lifelong health implications. Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS national medical director, said 'We want to make it easier for people to access care before hidden viruses like hepatitis C cause people serious harm. 'The home testing service is available to everyone, and through targeted outreach to people at higher risk we are helping thousands avoid serious illness and reducing health inequalities in the process. 'If you or someone you know might be at risk, order a free and confidential test today via the NHS hepatitis C testing website – it could save your life.' Sema Mandal, deputy director for blood safety at UK Health Security Agency, said: 'Our data shows that the number of people with hepatitis C in England is continuing to fall, thanks to more people getting tested and taking treatment that clears the virus. 'I'm delighted to hear that 100,000 of the free self-testing kits have already been ordered via NHS online and this should further help us defeat this disease.' Rachel Halford, chief executive of The Hepatitis C Trust, said: 'Reaching 100,000 home tests is an incredible milestone as we push closer towards the elimination of hepatitis C. 'This option of home testing allows people with any concerns to get a free, confidential test without the need to attend a clinic. For many hesitant to access health services, this can act as a lifeline. 'While injecting drug use remains a key risk factor, it is equally important to remember those affected by the infected blood scandal – the most devastating treatment disaster in the history of the NHS. 'If you received a blood transfusion or blood products before 1996, we strongly encourage you to order a test. Even for peace of mind alone, it could be invaluable. Today's treatments are highly effective, simple to take, and come with minimal side effects.'
