NICE has recommended the first long-term daily pill to treat endometriosis that could transform how this painful condition is managed. Around 1,000 women per year with endometriosis could benefit from the new treatment, which starts working more quickly than injectable alternatives and can be taken at home rather than at clinics.
The treatment called relugolix estradiol norethisterone (also known as relugolix combination therapy or Ryeqo), combines all needed hormones in one pill. It works by blocking specific hormones that contribute to endometriosis, while also providing necessary hormone replacement in a single daily tablet.
"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," commented Helen Knight, NICE director of medicines evaluation.
Endometriosis affects around 1.5 million women in the UK, causing chronic pain and fatigue when tissue similar to the womb lining grows elsewhere in the body. Despite its widespread impact, diagnosis typically takes 9 years from when symptoms first appear.
During the evaluation process, patient experts highlighted the importance of having additional treatment options that can be taken at home, giving people more autonomy in managing their condition.
"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," Helen Knight explained.
The treatment will be available through routine NHS commissioning for patients for whom medical or surgical treatment for endometriosis has failed.
The recommendation follows an earlier negative recommendation and comes after the company provided new evidence that addressed NICE's initial questions about the treatment's effectiveness and value for money.
