Home / Health / Student's Relief as NHS Approves Life-Changing Drug
Student's Relief as NHS Approves Life-Changing Drug
9 Mar
Summary
- New drug vorasidenib approved by NHS in Scotland.
- Brooke MacFadyen, 26, diagnosed with astrocytoma brain tumour.
- Drug offers new hope, reducing need for chemotherapy.
A recent approval by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) brings new hope to patients in Scotland diagnosed with astrocytoma or oligodendroglioma brain tumours. The drug, vorasidenib, also known as Voranigo, is now available for individuals aged 12 and over through the NHS.
Brooke MacFadyen, a 26-year-old student from Coatbridge, shared her profound relief at the decision. She was diagnosed with a low-grade astrocytoma in June 2024 and underwent surgery in August 2024, from which medics were unable to fully remove the tumour.
Ms. MacFadyen, who initially missed the opportunity to take vorasidenib during a clinical trial due to her recovery, is now eager to access the treatment. She stated that the availability of vorasidenib would be a "massive relief," alleviating her constant worry about the tumour's progression and the potential need for more arduous treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
The SMC highlighted powerful testimony from patient groups, emphasizing that vorasidenib can slow tumour progression and delay the necessity of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The drug company Servier estimates approximately 400 people are diagnosed with low-grade gliomas annually in the UK.
In Scotland, an estimated 10 individuals per year are expected to be eligible for vorasidenib. This approval marks a significant celebration for the brain tumour community, as new treatment approvals within the NHS are infrequent in this area. Experts noted that the last treatment for adult brain tumours approved in the UK was 20 years ago.
