Market Access with SMC: Your Guide to Scotland’s Health Technology Assessment Body

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) is the national source of advice on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of all new medicines for NHSScotland. Established to ensure that people in Scotland have timely access to beneficial medicines, the SMC evaluates newly licensed medicines and provides guidance on their use within the National Health Service in Scotland.

scottishmedicines.org.uk

Core Functions of the SMC

The SMC’s primary responsibilities include:

•     Assessment of New Medicines: Evaluating newly licensed medicines to determine their clinical and cost-effectiveness for use in NHSScotland.
•     Providing Guidance to NHSScotland: Offering advice to NHS boards and their Area Drug and Therapeutics Committees (ADTCs) across Scotland about the status of all newly licensed medicines and all new formulations and new indications of established products.
•     Public Involvement: Incorporating the views of patient groups and the public to ensure comprehensive decision-making.

Leadership and Key Contacts

As of January 2025, the SMC operates under the umbrella of Healthcare Improvement Scotland, the national healthcare improvement organization for Scotland.

Contact Details for the SMC

Website: https://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/

Postal Address:

Scottish Medicines Consortium

Healthcare Improvement Scotland

Gyle Square, 1 South Gyle Crescent

Edinburgh, EH12 9EB

United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (0)131 623 4300

Challenges in Working with the SMC

Engaging with the SMC involves:

•     Understanding Submission Processes: Familiarity with the SMC’s procedures for submitting evidence on new medicines is crucial for successful market access.
•     Timely and Accurate Submissions: Ensuring that all necessary documentation is complete and submitted promptly to facilitate evaluation processes.
•     Demonstrating Value for Money: Providing robust evidence that new treatments offer value for money within the NHSScotland framework.

Effective collaboration with the SMC can lead to efficient market entry and favorable reimbursement outcomes in Scotland.

Opportunities / Solutions with Justin Stindt Consultants

Justin Stindt’s SMC expertise ensures:

•     Expert Consultant SMC Submissions: Creating high-quality submissions for new medicine assessments.
•     Market Access SMC Strategies: Developing strategies that align with the SMC’s evaluation framework to optimize market access.
•     Specialist SMC Processes: Providing insights into the SMC’s procedures to enhance compliance and expedite approvals.

Justin Stindt Consultants specializes in assisting clients to effectively engage with the SMC’s regulatory environment to achieve successful market access in Scotland.