We respond to SMC rejection of capivasertib with fulvestrant for use on the NHS in Scotland

“It’s devastating that capivasertib with fulvestrant has been rejected for use on the NHS in Scotland. One drug rejection is always one too many, but this rejection is felt even more fiercely today on Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day.  

“Crucially, this promising new treatment could have provided the first targeted option for people with secondary breast cancer and certain gene alterations.[1] Instead, people are being denied the hope of more precious time before their disease progresses, time to make memories with loved ones and do what matters most to them. 

“It’s deeply unfair that the treatment is being kept out of reach of secondary breast cancer patients who desperately need it in Scotland due to uncertainties around cost-effectiveness, while it’s available in the rest of the UK.  

“AstraZeneca must urgently engage with the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) to address the concerns that led to capivasertib not being recommended and resubmit it for further assessment as soon as possible so the treatment can be made available to everyone who could benefit. 

“It’s also vital the Scottish Government ensures the necessary genomic testing is embedded throughout NHS Scotland so that eligible patients can gain immediate access when effective targeted treatments like capivasertib become available.” 

ENDS 

Notes to editors: 

Capivasertib plus fulvestrant increased median progression-free survival by 4.2 months compared to placebo plus fulvestrant for people with PI3K/AKT pathway altered tumours. 

Capivasertib with fulvestrant has already been recommended for NHS use in England, Wales and Northern Ireland 

[1] PIK3CA, AKT1 and PTEN alterations