Health technology appraisals – Summer 2026 update

It is a busy summer for Myeloma UK’s policy team as they continue working to shape the myeloma treatment landscape.

We have seen two recent approvals – one from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and another from the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) – and there continues to be a busy pipeline of upcoming appraisals.

Recent approvals: Recommended by NICE

Daratumumab (Darzalex®), bortezomib (Velcade®), lenalidomide (Revlimid®) and dexamethasone (DVRD) is now approved for myeloma patients who are not eligible for stem cell transplantation (SCT). This is the second quadruplet available for patients on the NHS in England and Wales.

After DVRD for transplant-ineligible patients was initially knocked back by NICE due to uncertainty around cost-effectiveness, Myeloma UK submitted more data and evidence to NICE’s appraisal committee. Along with clinicians and the pharmaceutical company behind the treatment, we successfully made the case for DVRD to be rolled out on the NHS. Read more about the approval here.

Recent approvals: Recommended by SMC

Talquetamab (Talvey®) is now approved for relapsed and refractory myeloma patients who have had three or more lines of treatment including an immunomodulatory drug, proteasome inhibitor, and anti-CD38 antibody, in Scotland.

Talquetamab was made available to eligible patients in England, Wales and Northern Ireland last year. Myeloma UK work hard to ensure equity in treatment access across the devolved nations and submitted data and evidence to SMC, along with clinicians and the pharmaceutical company behind the treatment and made a successful case for talquetamab to be rolled out on the NHS in Scotland too. You can read more about the approval of talquetamab in Scotland here.

Forward look: NICE

Daratumumab, bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (DVRD)

For newly diagnosed patients who are eligible for stem cell transplantation
NICE is appraising the use of daratumumab with bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (DVRD) for newly diagnosed myeloma patients who are eligible for stem cell transplantation. The third committee meeting took place on 17 June 2026.

During the meeting, Myeloma UK emphasised the efficacy of doublet maintenance and why all patients should have access to this new regimen. The conversation continued around MRD testing associated with the treatment.

A large part of the discussion focused on what would happen if a patient refused an MRD bone marrow test and what impact this would have on cost-effectiveness. Different scenarios were discussed at the meeting, and Myeloma UK highlighted the benefit of the MRD stopping rule and the need for a more personalised approach to myeloma treatment. We are awaiting a final decision.

Isatuximab (Sarclisa®), pomalidomide (Imnovid®) and dexamethasone (IsaPD)

The reappraisal for isatuximab with pomalidomide and dexamethasone (IsaPD) is still ongoing. The third committee meeting took place in January 2026. At the meeting, the NICE committee discussed the appeal panel’s recommendations and reviewed the revised cost-effectiveness estimates which take into account some of the recent changes in clinical practice – including the recent switching to generic pomalidomide.

We expect that a final decision will be published soon. The treatment remains available and in addition to patients already accessing the treatment, it can be offered to patients not currently on IsaPD whilst the appraisal is ongoing.

Elranatamab (Elrexfio®)

The reappraisal for elranatamab has started, with evidence due to be submitted at the end of July 2026. Myeloma UK’s evidence focuses on the experiences patients have of the treatment, including its side effects and mechanism of delivery as subcutaneous injection. This evidence is collected directly from patients – we have undertaken a survey and one-to-one interviews with patients who have accessed the treatment through the CDF to inform our submission and ensure people with myeloma remain at the centre of appraisal discussions.

The treatment remains available, and elranatamab can continue to be offered to patients not on the treatment while the reappraisal is ongoing.

Linvoseltamab (Lynozyfic®)

NICE is appraising the use of linvoseltamab monotherapy for relapsed or refractory myeloma patients who have had three or more previous treatments. If approved, linvoseltamab can be given monthly after a period of initial treatment, moving to this dosing schedule faster than other bispecifics at the same line.

Myeloma UK submitted evidence for linvoseltamab at the end of July 2026. Our evidence ensures patient experiences of the treatment are considered, including the advantages and disadvantages of how the treatment is given, and what less frequent treatment means to patients and their families.

Anitocabtagene autoleucel CAR-T cell treatment (anito-cel)

NICE is appraising the use of anitocabtagene autoleucel (anito-cel) CAR-T cell treatment for relapsed or refractory myeloma patients. If approved, anito-cel would be the first CAR-T available to myeloma patients on the NHS.

We are currently carrying out qualitative research with patients and healthcare professionals, to strengthen our submission and ensure that we are focusing on what matters most to those affected by myeloma.

Ciltacabtagene autoleucel (Carvykti®) CAR-T cell treatment (cilta-cel)

NICE is appraising the use of ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) CAR-T cell treatment for relapsed or refractory myeloma patients. If approved, cilta-cel could be available to patients who have had 1–3 prior lines of treatment.

Myeloma UK submitted information for scoping in June 2026. Deadlines for evidence and committees are yet to be confirmed. We will be submitting our evidence to NICE in early September 2026.

Teclistamab (Tecvayli®) after one prior relapse

NICE is appraising the use of teclistamab for relapsed or refractory myeloma patients after one relapse. Teclistamab is currently available on the NHS at fourth line (for myeloma patients who have had at least three previous lines of treatment). Moving the treatment further forward in the pathway may bring patient benefits such as steroid-free treatment regimen, subcutaneous delivery, and different side effect profiles.

We submitted evidence for scoping in July 2026. We are awaiting evidence submission and committee deadlines.

Health-Tec Programme evaluation

Gene expression profiling

NICE are also evaluating a gene expression profiling test, Sky92, which would be used alongside standard prognostic tests for newly diagnosed patients.

Myeloma UK undertook research with patients who had received a high-risk diagnosis, and with clinicians, and submitted evidence in May 2026. The committee will meet later in the year to discuss.

Cancer case finding technologies

NICE have also started the process of evaluating a set of cancer case-finding technologies for primary care. Myeloma UK attended a scoping workshop in July 2026. Further information is due to follow.

Forward look: SMC

Daratumumab (Darzalex®), bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (DVRD)

For newly diagnosed patients who are not eligible for stem cell transplantation
The SMC are evaluating the quadruplet daratumamab, bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone for myeloma patients who are not eligible for stem cell transplantation (SCT). Myeloma UK will submit evidence in August 2026.