Patients in Scotland with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) after one line of treatment can now access zanubrutinib through NHS Scotland, following acceptance by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC).
The decision aligns Scotland with England, Wales and Northern Ireland, offering access to BRUKINSA ahead of other European countries.
MCL is a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects around 600 people annually in the UK. It typically originates in B cells and appears in lymph nodes, bone marrow and spleen.
While initial therapies may be effective, MCL often returns. The five-year survival rate remains low at approximately 45 percent.
Dallas Pounds, Director of Services at Lymphoma Action said: “Access to another treatment option is very welcome as this rare lymphoma can progress quickly and take a heavy toll on both patients and their families.”
Dr Pam McKay, Consultant Haematologist at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre said: “With zanubrutinib, we now have access to a treatment that has demonstrated meaningful clinical benefit and is generally well tolerated.”
The SMC’s recommendation was based on data from two pivotal trials: phase 2 BGB-3111-206 and phase 1/2 BGB-3111-AU-003. In the larger study, zanubrutinib achieved an overall response rate of 83.7 percent, with a median duration of response of 19.5 months.
The second trial showed similar results, with an 84.4 percent response rate and 18.5 months median duration. At least 25 percent of patients achieved complete responses.
Dr Robert Mulrooney, General Manager for BeOne Medicines UK and Ireland said: “This second approval in mantle cell lymphoma highlights BeOne’s commitment to the UK lymphoma community.”
