Making high-quality, evidence-based submissions to SMC can mean the difference between successful or very limited access to NHS Scotland for medicines.

Join us for a must-attend, practical workshop led by Dr Catriona McMahon, Lead Industry Member for SMC, offering a rare opportunity to gain clear, expert guidance on how to prepare and submit to the SMC.

Built around the real questions companies ask time and again, this workshop cuts through uncertainty to focus on what you need to do, when you need to do it, and how to get it right. It is specifically designed for pharmaceutical company teams preparing SMC submissions, as well as the consultancies supporting them.

How to prepare and submit to SMC is aimed at organisations planning submissions in 2026/2027 and is designed to help you deliver your strongest possible submission. The programme focuses on “normal” SMC processes, including the Ultra-Orphan Pathway and Interim Acceptance, while also providing clarity on the interim processes introduced during—and continuing since—the COVID pandemic.

Through engaging presentations and open, interactive Q&A, attendees will gain practical insight into what distinguishes a strong SMC submission from the rest. The workshop will also feature a guest speaker from SMC, sharing the latest updates on SMC activity and answering questions directly—making this a valuable chance to hear first-hand insight straight from SMC.

Whether you’re submitting for the first time or looking to refine your approach, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge, confidence, and practical understanding needed to navigate the SMC process successfully.

‘What makes a good submission to SMC?’ is an opportunity to hear:

• How to prepare for submission to SMC

• How to decide what sort of submission to make

• What to expect during the submission process

Following the workshop, you will receive a copy of the slides presented and an FAQ document which includes all the questions asked since the workshops commenced (and their answers).

The online workshops will be in two-morning sessions running over two days. Each session will be 3 hours in duration, including breaks. You will need to attend both sessions on consecutive dates to complete the workshop.

Session 1: Monday, 09:30 - 12:30
Session 2: Tuesday, 09:30 - 12:30

Please note: To support an active Q&A throughout the workshops, there will be a maximum of 16 people can register for each date, and places are limited to two per company on a first come first served basis.

Further information on dates available and fees can be found on the tabs across the top of the page.

If you have any further questions, please contact the ABPI Events Team at events@abpi.org.uk