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SMC does not approve drug for advanced bowel cancer patients in Scotland

Monday 12 May 2025

We’re disappointed to share the news that the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has not approved the use of fruquintinib (Fruzaqla®) to treat patients with advanced bowel cancer living in Scotland.  

SMC’s decision means the drug will not be available on the NHS for advanced bowel cancer patients, also known as stage 4 or metastatic, in Scotland. Fruquintinib can be used as a third or fourth-line treatment when other treatments haven't worked. However, if a healthcare professional thinks their patient would benefit from Fruquintinib, they can make a request to their Health Board to prescribe it.  

This decision was made after a process in which the SMC considered the information provided by patient groups, including Bowel Cancer UK, and healthcare professionals on the potential benefits of this drug to patients.   

Fruquintinib is currently being reviewed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to decide if it will be made available for advanced bowel cancer patients in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.   

Dr Lisa Wilde, Director of Research, Policy and Influencing at Bowel Cancer UK, says: “We’re saddened the SMC has not approved Fruquintinib for Scottish patients to access through the NHS, which could give them more precious time with their loved ones. I’d like to thank our bowel cancer community who shared their personal experiences to help shape our submission to the SMC about the benefits of the drug.”  

 

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