New endometriosis pill approved on NHS in England
Published: 14 March 2025, 2:11:29
The first daily pill for treating endometriosis symptoms has been approved for use on the NHS in England and Wales – but only for patients who have tried all other options.
Endometriosis affects 1.5 million women in the UK, causing pain and extreme tiredness as a result of tissue similar to the womb lining growing elsewhere in the body.
The new tablet, known as relugolix combination therapy, has been approved by drug assessment body the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and, unlike current injectable treatments, it can be taken at home.
The charity Endometriosis UK said the pill gives patients more choice, but will help only a relatively small number of people.
The new combination therapy pill will cost £72 for a 28-day supply, NICE said.
It works by blocking specific hormones that contribute to the condition, while also providing replacement hormones that are needed.
It will only be available on the NHS for people who have already tried all other medical and surgical treatments and found they did not help, NICE said – equivalent to 1,000 women a year.
This includes treatments such as hormonal contraceptives and intrauterine delivery systems.
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, said it marked “a potential step-change in how we manage endometriosis, putting control back in patients’ hands while ensuring value for the taxpayer”.
She said the treatment could be stopped and started more easily than other treatments, which is important for those planning to have children and for managing side effects.
That could also reduce pressure on NHS services, she added.
NICE initially rejected the drug, but new evidence was provided by the manufacturer on its effectiveness and value for money.
