Thousands could benefit from a new option for treating symptoms of uterine fibroids as per the new NICE recommendation
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has made a new recommendation in its final guidance this week that could benefit almost 30,000 adults suffering from moderate to severe symptoms of uterine fibroids.
The Department of Health and Social Care's executive non-departmental public body, NICE, has recommended linzagolix, also known as Yselty by Theramex to treat uterine fibroids.
Linzagolix is recommended for use as a longer-term treatment (more than 6 months) and is not for people who need short-term treatment, for example, before planned uterine fibroid surgery.
According to Jonathan Benger, NICE's Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Chief Executive, expressed his approval of the new recommendation, stating, " What makes Linzagolix particularly noteworthy is its flexibility; it can be taken either with or without hormone therapy.
What causes Uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus (womb).
Their exact cause is not known but they have been linked to oestrogen and progesterone.
Around 66 per cent of women develop at least 1 uterine fibroid during their lifetime and 33 per cent of women will develop symptoms from uterine fibroids. Most fibroids are small and do not cause symptoms.
However, some people with fibroids develop symptoms that can include very heavy or long menstrual periods or pelvic pressure or pain.
People with moderate to severe symptoms of uterine fibroids can experience a substantial negative effect on their quality of life.
Usual treatment for moderate to severe symptoms of uterine fibroids includes hormonal treatments, such as GnRH receptor agonists and antagonists, and supportive care.
How does it work?
Taken once a day as a single tablet, linzagolix (which is also called Yselty and made by Theramex) is a type of treatment called a GnRH antagonist.
It has been shown to be effective in reducing the bleeding caused by uterine fibroids, and also shrinking the fibroids themselves, compared with a dummy treatment.
It works by reducing the release of hormones which control oestrogen and progesterone production by the ovaries.
