A new daily pill for endometriosis has been approved for use on
the NHS and could help over a thousand women in England every
year manage the symptoms of the debilitating condition.
The once-a-day pill, linzagolix, will soon be available for NHS
patients in England who have had previous treatment for
endometriosis, following approval by the National Institute for
Health and Care Excellence (NICE) today [1 May].
It will be used to manage symptoms of endometriosis and will be
available to NHS patients across England in coming months.
It is the second take-at-home treatment to be approved to treat
endometriosis, after relugolix combination therapy – the first
long-term pill licensed to treat the condition – was approved for
NHS use in March.
Around 1.5 million women in the UK are living with endometriosis,
which can cause chronic pain, heavy periods, and extreme
tiredness when tissue similar to the womb lining grows elsewhere
in the body.
Linzagolix will be available specifically for patients whose
previous medical or surgical treatments for endometriosis have
been unsuccessful. It will be given alongside ‘add-back' hormone
therapy which involves using low-dose hormone replacement therapy
(HRT) to prevent menopause-like symptoms and bone loss.
It is estimated that more than 1,000 women a year will be
eligible for the new treatment.
In clinical trials, linzagolix was shown to reduce painful
periods and non-menstrual pelvic pain, compared with placebo.
Dr Sue Mann, National Clinical Director in Women's Health
for NHS England, said: “This is welcome news for women
with endometriosis who haven't found relief from previous
therapies or surgery – it's another treatment option which will
help women take control of their health and better manage the
symptoms of this often painful and debilitating condition.
“This is a testament to our ongoing commitment to improving
treatment, care and quality of life for women – and follows the
approval just months ago of the first long-term daily pill for
managing endometriosis on the NHS, giving women more choice in
treatment they can take in the comfort of their own homes.”
Women's Health Minister said: “This could
be a game-changer for thousands of women battling endometriosis,
which can be a debilitating and life-limiting condition.
“After years of neglect in women's health, we are turning the
tide - backing new treatments like linzagolix, cutting diagnosis
times and slashing waiting lists.
“Through our Plan for Change, we will make sure the NHS is there
for all women when they need it.”
