New Endometriosis Treatment Available in New Zealand, But Not Funded

New Zealand has introduced a new treatment for endometriosis, an inflammatory disease affecting approximately one in ten women in the country. The medication, named Ryeqo, received approval from Medsafe and offers a new option for managing symptoms like severe pelvic pain, subfertility, and infertility. However, the treatment is only available through private prescriptions and lacks government funding, limiting accessibility for many affected individuals.

Details of the New Treatment

Ryeqo is an oral tablet taken once daily, featuring the active ingredient Relugolix, which reduces the hormone estrogen responsible for driving endometriosis symptoms. In addition to Relugolix, the treatment includes components of estradiol and norethisterone acetate, designed to help maintain hormonal balance.

The chief executive of Endometriosis New Zealand, Tanya Cooke, emphasized the limited treatment options available to New Zealanders with this condition. “To provide truly effective care, we must ensure equitable access to the full spectrum of evidence-based therapies,” she stated. Cooke highlighted that more than 120,000 women, girls, and those assigned female at birth are navigating the challenges of endometriosis. The introduction of new treatments such as Ryeqo is seen as a positive development.

Cost and Accessibility Concerns

Despite the approval, Ryeqo is not currently funded by the government. A month’s supply costs approximately $250, which patients must pay out of pocket, in addition to any healthcare fees. Pharmac, the New Zealand government agency responsible for medicines, confirmed to RNZ that it has not yet received an application to consider funding Ryeqo.

General practitioner and chair of NZ Women in Medicine, Dr. Orna McGinn, explained that while Ryeqo is available through private procurement, the details have not been widely communicated to primary care providers. “If a doctor or medical professional has a patient who may benefit from this, they can apply to have it made available and then the patient pays privately,” she noted. McGinn expressed the need for better information regarding treatment options for those diagnosed with endometriosis.

Traditionally, many women with endometriosis have relied on oral contraceptives and anti-inflammatory medications to manage their symptoms. Dr. McGinn described the condition as highly problematic, noting that many women experience debilitating pain that significantly disrupts their daily lives. “We’re not just talking about painful periods. Often, we’re talking about absolutely dreadful, debilitating pain, which prevents women from being able to get to work or study and impacts on fertility,” she explained.

Dr. McGinn also pointed out the broader implications of addressing women’s health issues, stating that effective treatment can lead to improved workforce participation and economic outcomes. “We know that every dollar spent on women is returned up to ten times,” she remarked. Yet, she expressed frustration that despite the passing of a women’s health strategy more than two years ago, progress remains slow, with New Zealand’s women’s health lagging behind other comparable nations.

In the UK, similar treatments have reportedly resulted in significant reductions in endometriosis symptoms, such as pain and bleeding, suggesting that effective management is possible. As New Zealand moves forward with new treatment options, the focus will remain on ensuring equitable access and comprehensive healthcare for those affected by endometriosis.