The NHS drug could transform the lives of people with a condition that is both diffcult to diagnose and treat
A new pill designed to transform the treatment of a debilitating ‘invisible’ condition has been approved for use on the NHS.
The drug, approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), could help 1,000 women a year in England living with endometriosis.
The painful chronic condition affects around 1.5 million women in the UK, according to Nice. It occurs when abnormal tissue grows outside the lining of the womb, spreading to other parts of the body, such as the pelvis, bladder and bowel.
Unlike current injectable treatments, the new drug can be taken at home and works faster. The daily, long-term pill blocks specific hormones and can significantly reduce heavy bleeding, easing invisible symptoms caused by endometriosis such as severe pain and heavy periods.
Nice initially rejected the drug, called relugolix-estradiol-norethisterone or Ryeqo, which has a list price of £72 for a 28-day supply. However, new evidence provided by the manufacturer Gedeon Richter led to its approval for NHS use.
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.”
Ryeqo is already approved for use for endometriosis in Australia and can also be used in the treatment of prostate cancer. It lowers levels of certain hormones to encourage the release of other hormones that help to ease symptoms and prevent unwanted tissue growth in the womb, according to the European Medicine Agency.
On average, Nice says it takes nine years from symptom onset to get a diagnosis of endometriosis. According to the NHS website, this is because symptoms can be similar to other common conditions, such as fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease and irritable bowel syndrome.