The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved mirvetuximab soravtansine (Elahere) as a treatment for platinum resistant high-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer.
This landmark decision means that women with folate receptor alpha-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer who have had 1–3 previous lines of chemotherapy will now be able to access Elahere.
Usually, NICE decisions are followed in Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland has a separate approval process.
Why this is important?
If ovarian cancer returns within six months of the last platinum-based treatment (such as carboplatin or cisplatin), it is classed as platinum-resistant. In these cases, different drugs are needed, and until now there have been very few effective treatment options available.
What was Target Ovarian Cancer’s role?
We've long campaigned for better access to new and effective cancer treatments. Throughout the NICE evaluation process, we:
- submitted evidence on the experiences and needs of people with ovarian cancer
- acted as a patient expert during committee discussions
- championed the importance of improving treatment options for those with platinum-resistant disease
Our involvement ensured that the voices of patients and families were heard every step of the way.
Having access to Elahere would give me renewed hope and the chance of a better quality of life. My diagnosis came as a complete shock - I’ve always been very active and still value my independence. This treatment could mean a new lease of life.
Update: 12 October 2026
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has approved mirvetuximab soravtansine (Elahere), providing a new treatment option in Scotland for those with folate receptor alpha-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer who have already received 1 to 3 lines of chemotherapy.
This is positive news for women affected by ovarian cancer and an important step forward in improving access to innovative treatments. Until now, treatment options for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer in Scotland have been extremely limited.
“Today’s decision is a significant step forward for women with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer in Scotland, who have faced limited treatment options for far too long. For women and their families facing the challenges of ovarian cancer, this decision brings real hope and ensures that women across all four nations of the UK can now benefit from this innovative treatment, regardless of where they live."
At Target Ovarian Cancer, we have been campaigning for better access to life-changing treatments. Throughout the SMC appraisal process, we ensured that the voices of patients and their families were heard every step of the way.
One campaigner, Mairi, says, “The availability of Elahere in Scotland is a huge step forward. It gives women like me hope and access to an innovative treatment that could make a real difference. It’s vital that women in Scotland are not left behind and can benefit from the same treatment options available elsewhere."
Elahere will now be available through the NHS in all four nations of the UK, helping to ensure that more women can benefit from this treatment regardless of where they live.
This decision represents real progress in ovarian cancer treatment, and we look forward to continuing our work to improve access to future innovations and improve outcomes for everyone affected by the disease.
