A new daily pill to treat endometriosis symptoms has been approved for use on the NHS in England, offering patients a non-invasive alternative to existing treatments.
The relugolix combination therapy, which helps regulate hormone levels, will only be available to those who have exhausted all other options, benefiting an estimated 1,000 women per year, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
A New Treatment, but Not for All
Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting around 1.5 million women in the UK, causing severe pain, fatigue, and fertility issues. Despite its prevalence, treatment options remain limited, often requiring hormonal therapies or surgery.
The newly approved relugolix combination therapy offers a more convenient approach, as it can be taken at home, unlike current injectable hormone treatments that require hospital visits.
According to NICE, this oral therapy blocks specific hormones contributing to endometriosis growth, while also supplying replacement hormones to prevent side effects linked to hormonal suppression.
However, its availability is strictly regulated, with NHS access granted only to patients who have found no relief from existing medical or surgical interventions.
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, described the approval as “a potential step-change” in endometriosis management, offering patients greater control while ensuring cost-effectiveness for the NHS.
The drug’s flexibility means it can be stopped and restarted easily, making it more suitable for those planning pregnancy or struggling with side effects.
Limited Impact and Calls for Further Research
Despite the approval, patient groups and charities warn that the new pill will only benefit a small fraction of those living with endometriosis. According to Emma Cox, chief executive of Endometriosis UK, while the drug offers greater choice, it will not address the widespread need for better diagnosis and treatment.
For many, the journey to diagnosis is long and fraught with challenges. Ami Clarke, 27, was not diagnosed until a decade after her symptoms began, enduring years of severe pain, multiple contraceptive treatments, and two surgeries.
“It feels like you’re being left in the dark,” she told the BBC, highlighting the desperation many patients feel in seeking effective care.
While the new pill may provide relief for some patients, Cox emphasised the need for greater investment in research and treatment development. Endometriosis remains an underfunded and often misunderstood condition, with many patients still relying on surgery or long-term hormonal treatments that come with significant side effects.
The treatment, which costs £72 for a 28-day supply, was initially rejected by NICE due to cost concerns but was later approved after further evidence of its effectiveness and value for money was submitted by the manufacturer.
With ongoing calls for improved care, experts stress that while this new pill is a step forward, it is not a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by endometriosis patients.
