A new endometriosis pill could help over 1,000 women manage their symptoms of the condition
The once-a-day endometriosis pill, linzagolix, will soon be available for NHS patients in England who have had previous treatment for the condition, following approval by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). It will be used to manage symptoms of endometriosis and will be available to NHS patients across England in the coming months.
This is the second at-home treatment for endometriosis after relugolix combination therapy – the first long-term pill licensed to treat the condition was approved for NHS use in March.
1.5 million women are living with endometriosis
In the UK, 1.5m women are living with endometriosis, which causes symptoms such as chronic pain, heavy periods and extreme tiredness.
Linzagolix will be available for patients who have previously unsuccessful medical or surgical treatments for endometriosis. It will be given alongside ‘add-back’ hormone therapy, which involves using low-dose hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to prevent menopause-like symptoms and bone loss.
Dr Sue Mann, National Clinical Director in Women’s Health for 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 the 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.
“Through our Plan for Change, we will make sure the NHS is there for all women when they need it.”
Linzagolix works with hormone therapy to manage side effects
The pill blocks hormones that contribute to endometriosis symptoms, and patients take a daily pill along with hormone therapy to manage any side effects. In clinical trials, the endometriosis pill helped reduce everyday pelvic pain and painful periods when compared to a placebo.
“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,“ commented Helen Knight, our director of medicines evaluation at NICE.
Helen continued: “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.“
NICE used a faster evaluation process to assess linzagolix by comparing its costs with similar treatments and standard care options. The NICE committee found that the pill offers identical benefits at a comparable cost, giving patients more treatment choices.
The convenience of at-home use is also expected to ease the burden on overstretched NHS services. This new endometriosis pill gives women greater control and more choices in how they manage their health, supporting both physical and emotional well-being.
