The first daily tablet for long-term treatment of endometriosis has been approved for use on the NHS.
The drug could help about a thousand women a year who suffer from the debilitating condition.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended relugolix-estradiol-norethisterone (also known as relugolix combination therapy or Ryeqo) for routine NHS use after initially rejecting the drug.
Endometriosis affects around 1.5 million women in the UK, causing chronic pain and fatigue due to tissue similar to the womb lining growing elsewhere in the body. The cells respond to the menstrual cycle, building up and then breaking down and bleeding, but the blood has no way to escape.
Despite being widespread – one in ten women and girls of reproductive age are affected, according to the World Health Organisation – diagnosis can take around a decade. There is also no known cure, but treatment can ease symptoms.
But current injectable treatments can initially worsen symptoms.
This new tablet starts working faster, can be taken at home, combines all the hormones needed in a single pill and returns hormone levels to previous levels faster when stopped. It also doesn’t require the woman to make regular clinic visits.
It will be available for patients for whom medical and surgical treatments have failed.
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A ‘potential step-change’ in treating endometriosis
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, said: “This new treatment marks a potential step-change in how we manage endometriosis, putting control back in patients’ hands while ensuring value for the taxpayer.
“Instead of travelling to clinics for injections, there is now a daily tablet that can be taken at home.
“The treatment can also be stopped and started more easily, which is particularly important for those planning to have children and for managing side effects. This convenience not only benefits patients but reduces pressure on NHS services.”
The list price for the treatment is £72 for a 28-day supply (excluding VAT).
Dr Sue Mann, NHS national clinical director for women’s health, said: “This first-of-a-kind treatment for endometriosis… will give women greater control of their own health by potentially allowing them to get the treatment they need in the comfort of their own homes, without the need to attend regular appointments.”
