rhumotoidA new subcutaneous formulation of RoActemra (tocilizumab) has been accepted for use in the NHS in Scotland for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

This announcement by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), which advises NHS Scotland on prescribing new treatments, means that patients receiving treatment with RoActemra can now be in control of where and when they have their treatment.

Further reading: NICE and the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

It gives patients the freedom to manage the condition according to their lifestyle, whether at hospital or at home.

It is viewed by the NHS in Scotland as particularly important given the large number of patients in the country without easy access to their nearest hospital because of their rural or remote location.