Vorasidenib approval gives new hope for low-grade brain tumour patients in Scotland

10 March 2026 | Campaigning and research, News, Treatments

We are delighted to share that the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has approved Vorasidenib (Voranigo) for patients aged 12 and over with IDH-mutant low-grade gliomas, including grade 2 astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas. This marks an important milestone for patients, families and clinicians across Scotland.

Life-changing benefit

Low-grade gliomas are slow-growing brain tumours that often affect young adults and children. Although surgery can often remove much of the tumour, these tumours can recur and traditional treatments like radiotherapy or chemotherapy can carry long-term side effects. For many patients, there has been a pressing need for additional treatment options that are both effective and less disruptive to daily life.

Vorasidenib is a targeted oral therapy, designed to inhibit the mutant IDH enzymes that drive tumour growth. Clinical trials have shown that it can slow the progression of low-grade gliomas, potentially delaying the need for more aggressive treatments. This new therapy represents a significant step forward in personalised care for patients with this specific genetic mutation.

With the SMC’s decision, patients will now be able to discuss Vorasidenib with their healthcare teams to understand whether it could be suitable for them.

Relief for families like Liam’s

We know how crucial this decision is for people we support. Some, like Liam Vincent-Kilbride, have accessed clinical trials of Vorasidenib and experienced first-hand the benefit of this treatment, and the agonising prospect of it being taken away. Liam shared his perspective on Vorasidenib with us in October 2025 and, as a patient in Scotland, the approval from the SMC has now been a huge relief for him and his family.

Liam Vincent-Kilbride

‘What a fight and concern it’s been for many of us after hearing the news that NICE (England and Wales) wasn’t willing to fund the drug in their draft decision. So much work was done by activists and charities to spread awareness of the success of this drug in patients like myself. With the SMC’s decision, hopefully now NICE will make the right choice and support the south in this life changing medication.

‘I applaud the SMC in recognising Vorasidenib, not only in its practical use, but its innovation in the world of brain tumours and how it can help support further research towards a cure.

‘Some patients who have been waiting for access are already getting notification of access to the drug….this is just fantastic news!

‘For me personally… it’s a massive sigh of relief. Here’s to all of you fighting this battle.’

Patients in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales

While Vorasidenib has been approved for use in Scotland, patients in England, Northern Ireland and Wales are still awaiting decisions about NHS funding. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issues guidance that applies directly in England and strongly influences funding decisions in Northern Ireland, while in Wales, the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) considers NICE guidance but can make its own recommendation. In October 2025 NICE released draft guidance against routine use of Vorasidenib in England. It drew a huge response with submissions from charities like ours, advocates and individuals with direct experience, evidencing the urgent need for this draft decision to be reversed. The final funding guidance from NICE is expected by 29 April, and we hope that the Scottish decision may lend some optimism to there being a positive result for other areas of the UK.

The full statement on the approval in Scotland can be read here on the SMC website.