Daily endometriosis pill approved for NHS could help 1,000 women a year
Linzagolix hailed as a possible ‘gamechanger’ in tackling the painful condition for some patients in England.More than 1,000 women a year in England could benefit from a new pill for endometriosis.
The condition occurs when tissue similar to the womb lining grows elsewhere in the body, such as the pelvis, bladder and bowel. It can cause chronic pain, heavy periods, extreme tiredness and fertility problems.
According to the World Health Organization, endometriosis affects about 190 million women and girls globally. In the UK, approximately 1.5 million are estimated to have the condition.
In final draft guidance published on Thursday, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) approved a daily tablet for adult patients of reproductive age who have had unsuccessful previous treatment for endometriosis.
Linzagolix, also known as Yselty, works by blocking the hormones that contribute to the symptoms of endometriosis. It is taken once a day alongside “add-back” low-dose hormonal therapy to help manage potential menopausal symptoms and bone loss.
In clinical trials, linzagolix was shown to reduce painful periods and non-menstrual pelvic pain, compared with a placebo drug, and is already approved for treating moderate to severe symptoms of uterine fibroids.
Read more at The Guardian