NHS approves 'game-changing' at-home pill for endometriosis
Endometriosis is a painful condition that affects one in 10 women in the UK, and can have a big impact on women's lives. The new at-home pill could benefit up to 1,000 women a year
A groundbreaking at-home pill for endometriosis, known as linzagolix or Yselty, has been given the green light for use on the NHS. The daily tablet could potentially benefit up to 1,000 women a year who are battling with the condition.
Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to those in the womb's lining grow elsewhere in the body, such as the pelvis, bladder and bowel. It can lead to severe pain, heavy periods, fatigue, fertility issues and significantly impact women's lives.
Around 1.5 million women in the UK suffer from endometriosis, but according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), it typically takes nine years from the onset of symptoms to get a diagnosis. Linzagolix works by blocking specific hormones that contribute to the symptoms of endometriosis.
This approval follows Nice's sanctioning of the first long-term daily pill for endometriosis in March, known as relugolix combination therapy or Ryeqo.
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, said: "We're pleased to recommend linzagolix as a new treatment option for endometriosis. As a once-daily tablet taken at home, it offers a convenient way for people with endometriosis to manage their condition and helps to ease pressure on NHS services.
"Thanks to our streamlined process, we've been able to fast-track our evaluation of this treatment to get it to the people who need it, quickly. Linzagolix is a valuable addition to the options available for this often painful and disruptive condition."
Linzagolix is taken as a once-daily 200 mg tablet accompanied by separate hormonal "add-back" therapy to stave off menopause-like symptoms and bone loss. Clinical trials of linzagolix have shown it reduces painful periods and non-menstrual pelvic pain more effectively than a placebo.
Already approved for fibroid treatment, linzagolix offers a new lease of life for patients unaffected by previous endometriosis treatments.
'Game-changer for women'
Dr Sue Mann, national clinical director in women's health at 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, Baroness Merron, added: "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."
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