Tebentafusp Now Approved Across the UK for Eligible Patients with Advanced Uveal Melanoma

Melanoma Focus welcome the decision by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) to approve tebentafusp for use within NHS Scotland for eligible adults with unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma.  

This means that eligible patients across all four nations of the UK can now access this important treatment through their NHS, making a significant step forward for people living with advanced uveal melanoma.  

The decision follows previous approvals in other UK nations and represents an important milestone in improving equitable access to treatment for this rare and aggressive form of melanoma.  

Tebentafusp is the first treatment shown to improve overall survival for eligible patients with advanced uveal melanoma who are HLA-A*02L01 positive. The SMC’s decision follows consideration through its end-of-life and orphan medicines process, recognising both the rarity of the condition and the unmet clinical need.  

Melanoma Focus was proud to contribute patient evidence in support of this application, working alongside our friends at Ocular Melanoma UK to ensure the voices and experiences of people affected by uveal melanoma were represented throughout the appraisal process. The SMC decision also recognises both organisations as sources of patient support.  

Susanna Daniels, Chief Executive of Melanoma Focus, said: 

“We are delighted that eligible patients with advanced uveal melanoma in Scotland can now access tebentafusp, providing uniform NHS access across of the UK.

This is an important milestone for a community that has historically had very limited treatment options. 

We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the appraisal process, particularly the patients who shared their experiences to help demonstrate the impact this decision could have. We are also pleased to have worked alongside our friends at Ocular Melanoma UK to support this application.  

We hope this decision brings reassurance and renewed hope to eligible patients and their families.”  

Melanoma Focus remains committed to working with clinicians, researchers, policymakers and patients to improve outcomes for everyone affected by melanoma.  

For information and support relating to uveal melanoma, please contact the Melanoma Focus skin cancer specialist nurse-led helpline or visit our patient information pages on tebentafusp HERE.