Latest news with #Ryeqo
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New at-home pill for endometriosis approved for use on the NHS
A new at-home pill for endometriosis has been approved for use on the NHS. The once-a-day tablet, called linzagolix but also known as Yselty, could benefit up to 1,000 women a year with the condition. Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to those in the lining of the womb grow in other parts of the body, such as the pelvis, bladder and bowel. It can cause severe pain, heavy periods, exhaustion and fertility problems and can have a big impact on women's lives. Endometriosis affects around 1.5 million women in the UK but, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), diagnosis typically takes nine years from when symptoms first appear. Linzagolix works by blocking specific hormones that contribute to the symptoms of endometriosis. The news comes after Nice approved 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 and requires separate hormonal 'add-back' therapy, which is low-dose hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to prevent menopause-like symptoms and bone loss. In clinical trials, linzagolix was shown to reduce painful periods and non-menstrual pelvic pain, compared with a dummy drug. Linzagolix, which is already approved for treating fibroids, is for patients whose previous medical or surgical treatments for endometriosis have been unsuccessful. 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, 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.' Tina Backhouse, UK general manager of Theramex, which makes the drug, said there are 'significant gaps and delays for women in diagnosis and treatment of their endometriosis'. She added: 'This decision by Nice can only be one step in a much longer journey towards equitable treatment for women in the NHS, ensuring that all women, regardless of race or background, receive timely and effective care.'
Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
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."
The Independent
01-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Once-daily pill for endometriosis approved for use on the NHS
A new at-home treatment option offers hope for women suffering from endometriosis. The NHS has approved linzagolix, also known as Yselty, a once-daily pill designed to alleviate the debilitating symptoms of the condition. Endometriosis affects an estimated 1.5 million women in the UK, causing tissue similar to the womb lining to grow elsewhere in the body. This can lead to a range of painful and disruptive symptoms, including severe pelvic pain, heavy periods, exhaustion, and fertility problems. The current diagnostic process can be lengthy, with Nice reporting an average nine-year delay between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis. Linzagolix offers a new approach to managing endometriosis by blocking specific hormones that contribute to the condition's symptoms. This new oral medication is expected to benefit up to 1,000 women annually, providing a more convenient and accessible treatment option. The news comes after Nice approved the first long-term daily pill for endometriosis, known as relugolix combination therapy or Ryeqo, in March. Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, said linzagolix 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 and requires separate hormonal 'add-back' therapy, which is low-dose hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to prevent menopause-like symptoms and bone loss. In clinical trials, linzagolix was shown to reduce painful periods and non-menstrual pelvic pain, compared with a dummy drug. Linzagolix, which is already approved for treating fibroids, is for patients whose previous medical or surgical treatments for endometriosis have been unsuccessful. 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, 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.'
The Guardian
16-03-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Women to save thousands of dollars a year as new fertility and endometriosis drugs listed on PBS
New medications related to contraception, endometriosis and IVF will be subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 May, with some women expected to save thousands of dollars each year. The announcement from the federal government on Sunday was welcomed by health campaigners, who said women's health issues have been sidelined for far too long. 'These listings covering IVF, endometriosis and contraception will improve the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of Australian women,' said the health minister, Mark Butler. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email Butler said the announcement was not about winning female votes at the upcoming election, but was about strengthening Medicare, lowering the cost of medicine and listening to women. 'Women were telling us for years that they're just not being listened to, particularly for things that pretty much every woman goes through, having to deal with reproductive health choices, contraception, perimenopause, menopause,' he told Channel Seven on Sunday morning. 'There had been nothing new to support them for decades.' The Nationals leader, David Littleproud, told Channel Nine that the Coalition would 'back this move as part of a $580m package for women's health we've already announced'. The deputy Liberal leader, Sussan Ley, also said she was 'pleased' to see the announcements. Among the drugs that will now be listed via the PBS – meaning they will now be subsidised by the government, dramatically lowering their cost to users – is drospirenone, a progesterone-only contraceptive pill sold under the brand name Slinda. It is the first new contraceptive pill to be listed on the PBS in 30 years, and the government estimates more than 100,000 Australian women would benefit from this subsidy, saving more than $250 a year for treatment. 'I could not be happier,' said Dr Nisha Khot, vice-president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. 'Three decades of pharmaceutical innovation means that the newer pills that are available are so much better than the pills that used to be on PBS.' Khot said the new progesterone-only contraceptive was particularly helpful for the many women who cannot take oestrogen-based contraception, which can include women who are overweight, older, or who have other health conditions. A new endometriosis treatment – relugolix with estradiol and with norethisterone (sold as Ryeqo) – will also be available on the PBS from 1 May. Ryeqo assists patients who have experienced moderate to severe pain and cannot get adequate relief from other hormonal treatments and painkillers. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion The government estimated that about 8,500 Australian women were expected to benefit from this listing each year, who would otherwise pay more than $2,700 for a year of treatment without the subsidy. This is the second new endometriosis treatment that has been added to the PBS by the Albanese government in the last six months. Before that no new endometriosis treatment had been made available through the PBS in three decades. An estimated one in seven Australian women suffer from endometriosis. Sylvia Freedman, from not-for-profit health promotion charity EndoActive, commended the government for its commitment to women's health, but also encouraged it to commit more funding for endometriosis treatment, research and education. 'All women – whether they have endometriosis or no – face an inherent financial disadvantage compared to our male counterparts simply because having a period is expensive. Period products, medications, and pain relief aren't luxury items; they're essential. Any measure that helps lower these costs for women across Australia is a step in the right direction.' The government also announced that women undergoing in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) will have earlier access to a combination therapy known as Pergoveris (follitropin alfa with lutropin alfa) through the PBS. This was previously only funded in later IVF cycles. The treatment will be available from 1 April for women with specific low levels of reproductive hormones. Double the maximum number of Pergoveris pens (four instead of two) per script will now be listed. The government said that more than 6,000 women access Pergoveris on the PBS each year, many of whom require four pens to complete a cycle. Khot said that while Sunday's announcements were welcome, the government should go further and review all rebates under the PBS and Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) 'with a gendered lens'. 'It is time to review all of the MBS item numbers, PBS listings, rebates, from a gendered lens and correct the gender inequity that has existed for far too long.'
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NHS approves long-term daily pill for endometriosis in England
The National Health Service (NHS) in England has approved Gedeon Richter's Ryeqo (relugolix + estradiol + norethisterone), the first long-term pill available for endometriosis, marking a significant breakthrough in treatment. However, it will only be available for patients who have tried all other treatment options. Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to symptoms such as chronic pelvic pain, painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) and pain during intercourse (dyspareunia). It can also affect fertility. Ryeqo is a combination medication containing relugolix (a gonadotropin-releasing hormone [GnRH] antagonist), estradiol (a form of oestrogen) and norethisterone (a synthetic progestin). Together, these three components help regulate levels of oestrogen and progesterone, which are key hormones involved in endometriosis, effectively reducing symptoms and improving overall disease management. According to key opinion leaders (KOLs) interviewed by GlobalData, injectable treatments for endometriosis often present challenges in patient adherence and comfort. Ryeqo's approval as a standard NHS treatment improves its accessibility, reduces the need for invasive procedures gives patients more control in managing their condition. By eliminating the need for multiple medications and frequent clinic visits for injections, this oral treatment offers a more convenient alternative. Unlike injections, which may initially worsen symptoms, the pill is taken at home and combines all necessary hormones into one convenient tablet. The oral route of administration offers greater clinical control over treatment, as dosages can be adjusted and the medication can be quickly discontinued if necessary. This flexibility provides a significant advantage over long-acting injectable medications, allowing for easier management of side effects and treatment interruptions when needed. Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, stated: "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. 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." KOLs also highlighted the lack of long-term treatment options for endometriosis, as most available medications are only approved for short-term use. Ryeqo helps address this gap by offering sustained, long-term therapy, providing continuous symptom relief through hormonal regulation. This makes Ryeqo a valuable, non-invasive alternative for patients seeking effective, ongoing management of their condition, ultimately improving their quality of life. The UK joins other nations in expanding access to endometriosis treatment, with this approval offering hope for continued progress in patient care. This approval enhances patients' quality of life while also reducing strain on the NHS by decreasing hospital visits and the need for surgical procedures. Ryeqo's approval brings the UK in line with global advancements in endometriosis treatment, ensuring that women have access to a more effective and convenient option. "NHS approves long-term daily pill for endometriosis in England" was originally created and published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
