In a significant advancement for women’s health, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved a new treatment option for uterine fibroids (UFs), a condition affecting approximately two-thirds (66%) of women. The treatment, linzagolix—marketed as Yselty by Theramex—could potentially benefit up to 30,000 women. Clinical trials have demonstrated that linzagolix effectively reduces the excessive bleeding and size of fibroids compared to a placebo.
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in and around the uterus during reproductive age. Among the women who will experience at least one UF in their lifetime, about a third (33%) will develop symptoms. These symptoms can include prolonged and heavy menstrual periods, pelvic pain, and pressure.
“If left untreated, uterine fibroids can lead to infertility and significantly impact quality of life,” noted Professor Jonathan Benger, NICE’s Chief Medical Officer and Deputy CEO. “Linzagolix offers greater flexibility, as it can be taken with or without hormone therapy, allowing clinicians to provide more personalized care for this often debilitating condition.”
Dame Lesley Regan, England’s Women’s Health Ambassador and a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Imperial College London, added: “No woman should suffer due to menstrual health issues. This decision by NICE is a crucial step in ensuring that women have greater access to effective treatment and care. Closing the gender health gap requires offering women a diverse range of treatments tailored to their needs.”
Dr. Aziza Sesay, Vice Chair and Creative Director at Black Female Doctors UK, emphasised the importance of accessible treatment: “We must continue advocating for accessible care for all women in need, especially those in communities with a higher prevalence of uterine fibroids, such as Black women like myself.”
Research indicates that Black women are two-to-three times more likely to develop UFs than white women. The new treatment will now be available through the NHS for eligible women across England and Wales.
Note: Originally written by Louis Morris https://www.nationalhealthexecutive.com/
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