SMC Approves Amivantamab + Chemotherapy for EGFR Exon 20 NSCLC

We are pleased to share significant news for the EGFR community in Scotland. The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has approved Amivantamab in combination with chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of people diagnosed with EGFR Exon 20 insertion EGFR+ lung cancer.

This decision is supported by robust evidence from the PAPILLON phase 3 trial, which evaluated the regimen as an initial therapy. The study showed that adding Amivantamab to chemotherapy led to a clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival, higher response rates, and more durable disease control than chemotherapy alone - essentially allowing more patients to remain on effective treatment for longer before their cancer progressed.

For patients, this approval represents an important advancement. Historically, there have been few effective options for Exon 20 insertions, as standard EGFR-targeted therapies rarely benefit this rare mutation subtype. This decision ensures newly diagnosed Exon 20 patients in Scotland can access a treatment that targets the biology of their cancer and offers a greater likelihood of delaying disease progression while helping maintain quality of life.

EGFR+ UK was proud to contribute to the appraisal process, ensuring the experiences of Exon 20 patients were heard.NICE Approves Amivantamab + Lazertinib for Common EGFR Mutations

In England, NICE has approved Amivantamab plus Lazertinib for first-line treatment of common EGFR mutations

This decision follows the MARIPOSA trial, which showed that the Amivantamab–Lazertinib combination offers superior progression-free survival and overall survival compared with osimertinib alone. Many patients in the trial remained on treatment longer before their cancer progressed and lived longer overall - important and meaningful gains for individuals and families facing this diagnosis.

Just as significantly, this approval introduces greater choice into the first-line setting. Until now, treatment options have largely centred on osimertinib, either alone or with chemotherapy. With an additional effective regimen now available, clinicians and patients can tailor treatment decisions more closely to an individual’s needs, circumstances, and preferences.

EGFR+ UK also participated in this appraisal, helping ensure patient perspectives shaped decision-making.

A Shared Step Forward

Together, these decisions represent major progress for people with both common EGFR mutations and Exon 20 insertions. Improved outcomes, expanded treatment options, and greater personalisation of care all strengthen the future for the EGFR community.

EGFR+ UK will continue advocating for equitable access, evidence-based care, and the voices of patients at every stage of the process.

This is a significant milestone for the Exon 20 community in Scotland, and we warmly welcome this step toward more equitable access to effective, evidence-based care.

Professor Gini Harrison, EGFR+ UK Research Trustee