SMC consider Ruxolitinib (Opzelura) for use by NHS Scotland
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has announced that it is now considering Ruxolitinib (Opzelura) or treatment of non-segmental vitiligo with facial involvement in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age.
What is Opzelura?
Developed by pharmaceutical company Incyte Biosciences, Opzelura is a medicine developed for treating non-segmental vitiligo. It is a topical selective Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor cream that affects your immune system, reducing inflammation and encouraging the regeneration of melanocytes to produce pigment over time.
What is the SMC?
The Scottish Medicines Consortium is a committee of clinicians, pharmacists, NHS board representatives, the pharmaceutical industry, and the public. Members of the committee consider a broad range of evidence in order to decide which medicines should be accepted for use by NHS Scotland.
What happens next?
The Vitiligo Society is participating in this assessment as a patient representative group, providing information on the impact that living with vitiligo has on individuals in our community. We have provided an initial patient group submission, and have attended a SMC committee meeting this week where the medicine was discussed. We are now awaiting a decision which is currently due in May 2024.
Updates and the outcome of the consultation can be found on the SMC website below:
https://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/medicines-advice/ruxolitinib-opzelura-full-smc2634/
Incyte can be contacted via telephone for any questions relating to the treatment and its availability: https://incyte.com/contact-us/medical-information
Funding disclosure:
The Vitiligo Society has project work supported by an educational grant from Incyte Biosciences UK Ltd. The Vitiligo Society maintains full control over the all project management and content, ensuring independence and impartiality in its work.
When it comes to any external funding we follow the current guidance and rules as set out by the Charity Commission and the Fundraising Regulator. We report any research collaborations and/or financial contributions received from industry in our annual reports and accounts as well as being transparent about our partnerships on our website.
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