Current status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 16 May 2022
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-03517 by Humza Yousaf on 27 October 2021, and the National Services Division review of NHS Scotland’s genomics services, what steps are being taken to align the timing of the publication of advice by the Scottish Medicines Consortium with the commissioning of companion diagnostic tests in order to prevent delays for patients getting advanced therapies.
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) currently provides early information to National Services Division (NSD) on cancer medicines in clinical development that are expected to require a companion diagnostic through regular horizon scanning reports; these are also discussed at regular meetings between the SMC and NSD. To support financial and service planning, the SMC also provides Health Boards – in confidence - with information on medicines that may require a companion diagnostic through regular forward look reports which include emerging new medicines, including Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs).
The Scottish Government recognises that an improved streamlined process for the implementation of new genetic tests linked to a Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC)-approved medicine is required. A key priority of the Scottish Genomics Leadership Group will be to review how horizon scanning for new medicines is linked to implementation of testing for Scottish patients to prevent delays for patients getting access to advanced therapies. Close collaborative working with the pharmaceutical industry will be essential to this process.