Merck Sharpe and Dohme receives SMC approval for Victrelis

Merck Sharpe and Dohme has received approval from the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) for Victrelis, its new treatment for hepatitis C.

The drug, which is described by the manufacturer as the first licensed direct-acting treatment for chronic hepatitis C genotype 1, has been accepted for NHS Scotland use based on data from clinical studies.

Information from pivotal phase III randomised studies showed the drug's efficacy compared to the current standard of care among patients who have not benefited from prior therapy, when utilised in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin.

It is thought that Victrelis will help patients to reduce their mortality risk and benefit from a shorter six-month course of treatment, compared to standard 12-month therapy options.

Professor Clifford Leen, consultant physician for infectious diseases at Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, said: "The SMC's positive advice on the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of boceprevir in Scotland is very important for patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1."

This comes as the company prepares to attend next month's American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases annual meeting, where it will be presenting new data on Victrelis.