First new ovarian cancer treatment in ten years approved for NHS Scotland

A new treatment for severe and debilitating ovarian cancer has been approved for use on the NHS in Scotland for the first time in ten years.

Elahere, also known as mirvetuximab soravtansine, has been accepted by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SCM).

The treatment will be available to eligible patients with folate receptor-alpha (FRα) positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) – an advanced stage of the disease where the cancer has returned within six months of being treated with platinum-based chemotherapy.

It is estimated that up to 70% of patients will eventually relapse and become platinum-resistant over time.

Elahere is the first treatment recommended for PROC patients in Scotland in more than ten years.

The SCM’s acceptance follows a decision from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in June 2026, in which it was recommended for use on the NHS in England and Wales.

Victoria Clare, CEO of charity Ovacome, said: “For people living with ovarian cancer, the news that platinum-based chemotherapy is no longer working can bring significant uncertainty for them and their families at an already challenging time.

“At this stage of the disease, treatment options have historically been limited, and prognosis can be poor, leaving patients and their families facing difficult choices.

“Today’s SMC advice is an important moment for eligible patients with FRα-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, offering an additional treatment option that could help patients continue doing the things that matter most to them, at a time when moments with friends and family can feel especially important.”

Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer among women in Scotland, with more than 600 new cases confirmed every year.

Around 71% of those are diagnosed at stage three or four, when the cancer is difficult to treat.

Developed by AbbVie, Elahere is designed to target and help kill tumour cells that express high levels of FRα.

Data from medical trials showed overall survival was “significantly longer” for patients who received the treatment, compared to those who received chemotherapy.

Professor Charlie Gourley, honorary consultant in medical oncology at the University of Edinburgh, said the SCM decision was a “significant advancement” for patients.

He added: “With the potential to improve outcomes where effective options have been limited, it offers clinicians an important additional treatment option and a more tailored approach for patients with this difficult-to-treat disease.”

AbbVie UK medical director Rachael Millward said: “We are pleased with the SMC’s advice to accept mirvetuximab soravtansine, meaning eligible patients across the UK can now access an additional treatment option at a more advanced stage of the disease, where treatment options have historically been limited.

“This is an important milestone for the ovarian cancer community, and we remain committed to supporting patients in areas of significant unmet need.”