SMC approves Entivio (Vedolizumab) for the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis within NHS Scotland

The recommendation will apply to patients with moderate to severe Ulcerative Colitis who have found that conventional therapy or a type of treatment called TNF-alpha inhibitors (infliximab, adalimumab or golimumab) either don’t work well, have stopped working or can’t be tolerated. It also includes a recommendation that patients using Entyvio should be reassessed every 12 months to determine whether ongoing treatment is still appropriate.

Vedolizumab works in a different way to other treatment options for Ulcerative Colitis - targeting the immune system in the gut rather than the whole body. For many patients the drug treatment will be a welcome alternative to steroids and surgery.

Read our full consultation response

Vedolizumab is also currently being appraised by the SMC for Crohn’s Disease, with a decision on this expected in the Summer 2015 - read a copy of our consultation response.

The final SMC guidance can be read at: 
www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/SMC_Advice/Advice/1045_15_vedolizumab_entyvio/vedolizumab_entyvio

Vedolizumab has also been approved for moderate to severe Ulcerative Colitis under the same conditions by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence – guidance is due imminently. Further information at www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/whats-new/vedolizumab-approved-for-ulcerative-colitis-in-draft-nice-guidance