Question reference: S6W-23234
- Date lodged: 27 November 2023
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Current status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 11 December 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what factors and processes aim to ensure that NHS patients have equal access to innovative medicines, including one-off gene-edited treatments for debilitating inherited conditions.
Answer
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) provides advice to NHS Scotland on a ‘once for Scotland’ basis about the value for patients of newly licensed medicines, including innovative cell and gene therapies such as one-off gene-edited treatments for debilitating inherited conditions.
For example, in 2021, the SMC was the first health technology appraisal body in the UK to accept a gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy. This ensures that NHS patients have equal access to innovative medicines that are clinically and cost-effective. The SMC has a transparent and robust process that is fully described on its website.