New oral treatment for endometriosis approved for NHS use

U.K. – Around 1,000 women in England suffering from endometriosis will soon have access to Ryeqo, the first daily oral treatment for the condition, following approval by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence).

Initially rejected, Ryeqo (relugolix/estradiol/norethisterone) has now been recommended for routine NHS use, with NICE stating it “could transform how this painful condition is managed.”

Endometriosis affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age. It occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to severe pain, cysts, and scarring.

There is no cure, and current treatments include pain relief, hormonal therapies, and surgery.

Injectable gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists are often used but can initially worsen symptoms and require clinic visits. Ryeqo offers an alternative, working faster and allowing patients to take it at home.

The approval follows feedback from patient advocates, who highlighted the importance of having more treatment options.

Endometriosis UK welcomed the decision, hoping that Wales and Northern Ireland would also approve the drug, as Scotland did in January.

“For those who have tried other treatments like hormonal contraceptives and intrauterine devices without success, this provides a new option,” the charity said.

The treatment costs £72 (US $93) for a 28-day supply. Unlike existing GnRH agonists, such as Takeda’s Prostap (leuprorelin) and AstraZeneca’s Zoladex (goserelin), which are limited to six months of use, Ryeqo can be taken until menopause.

NICE’s Helen Knight described it as a “step-change in how we manage endometriosis”, offering patients more control over their treatment.

“Instead of travelling to clinics for injections, there is now a daily tablet that can be taken at home,” she said.

The final guidance will be published on April 16, bringing new hope to those struggling with endometriosis while also helping to ease pressure on NHS services.