The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved the first-ever long-term daily pill to treat endometriosis, offering hope to the 1.5 million UK women affected by this painful and often debilitating condition.
Known as relugolix–estradiol–norethisterone, or Ryeqo, the treatment promises quicker results compared to injectable alternatives, can be taken conveniently at home, and combines all necessary hormones in one daily dose. Importantly, hormone levels return to normal faster when the medication is discontinued, making it ideal for patients planning pregnancies or managing side effects.
Approximately 1,000 women annually are expected to benefit from this innovative therapy, which blocks specific hormones responsible for endometriosis while simultaneously providing essential hormone replacement.
NICE’s Director of Medicines Evaluation, Helen Knight, 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."
Endometriosis causes chronic pain and fatigue when tissue similar to the womb lining grows outside the uterus. With diagnosis often taking up to 9 years, the availability of additional treatment options is a significant advancement.
Available through routine NHS commissioning, Ryeqo is a crucial option for patients who have not found relief through other medical or surgical treatments. Today's positive recommendation comes after new evidence convinced NICE of its effectiveness and cost-efficiency, following an earlier rejection.
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