A groundbreaking development in the treatment of endometriosis has emerged, offering hope to those suffering from this debilitating condition. Endometriosis, a silent yet powerful adversary, causes chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and dyspareunia, impacting the lives of many. But here’s the catch: this new treatment option, approved in July, remains unfunded in New Zealand.
Clinical writer Noni Richards delves into this exciting development, exploring a combination therapy that could revolutionize endometriosis management. Despite its potential, the treatment’s availability is currently limited. This raises important questions: How can we ensure equal access to innovative treatments? And what impact will this have on the lives of those affected by endometriosis?
References:
1. Ministry of Health, New Zealand. (2020). Diagnosis and Management of Endometriosis in New Zealand. https://www.health.govt.nz/publications/diagnosis-and-management-of-endometriosis-in-new-zealand
2. Solnik, J., & Sanders, A. (2025). Endometriosis. BMJ Best Practice. https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/355
3. Auckland Region HealthPathways. Endometriosis. https://aucklandregion.communityhealthpathways.org/
4. New Zealand Formulary. (2025). Endometriosis. https://nzf.org.nz/nzf_71113
5. Pharmacy Retailing (NZ) Ltd t/a Healthcare Logistics. (2024). New Zealand Data Sheet: Ryeqo. https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/Datasheet/r/RyeqoTab.pdf
6. Giudice, L. C., As-Sanie, S., Arjona Ferreira, J. C., et al. (2022). Once daily oral relugolix combination therapy versus placebo in patients with endometriosis-associated pain: two replicate phase 3, randomised, double-blind, studies. The Lancet, 399(10343), 2267–2279. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(22)00622-5
7. Becker, C. M., Johnson, N. P., As-Sanie, S., et al. (2024). Two-year efficacy and safety of relugolix combination therapy in women with endometriosis-associated pain: SPIRIT open-label extension study. Human Reproduction, 39(3), 526–537. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dead263
8. Cameron, A. (2025). Stop ‘fobbing off’ women with endometriosis, expert says. New Zealand Doctor. https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/print-archive/stop-fobbing-women-endometriosis-expert-says
And this is the part most people miss: While we celebrate these advancements, the funding gap remains a critical issue. How can we bridge this gap and ensure equitable access to life-changing treatments? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s spark a conversation and advocate for change!