Gedeon Richter secures PBS listing of second endometriosis therapy

From 1 May, Gedeon Richter’s Ryeqo (relugolix, estradiol, norethisterone acetate) – a first-in-class, oral therapy for endometriosis – will be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for women of reproductive age who have previously attempted medical or surgical treatment.

This decision aligns with the Labor government’s recent $573 million investment in women’s health – a key pre-election commitment.

Professor Jason Abbott, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the University of NSW, stated “Endometriosis is a lifelong condition that can affect women for decades, yet too many still face an exhausting cycle of trial and error – moving between hormonal therapies, surgery and pain medications – often with limited success.”

Bayer’s Visanne (dienogest), PBS listed in December, marked the first new treatment for endometriosis in more than three decades. However, between one-fourth to one-third of women do not respond to their first treatment, highlighting the need for greater access to multiple treatment options.

Jessica Taylor, CEO of QENDO and Chair of the Australian Coalition for Endometriosis (ACE), emphasised the life-altering nature of the disease, saying “We hear from women who have tried multiple treatments but are still in pain and continuing to miss out on work, social events, important milestones, and everyday moments.”

The impact is far-reaching, with research revealing that one in four people with endometriosis has lost a job due to the condition, 70% have had to take unpaid leave, and nearly half feel unsupported in the workplace. Alarmingly, one in three has been denied a promotion because of the ongoing burden of the disease.

The PBS listing of Ryeqo is backed by two multinational clinical studies (SPIRIT 1 and SPIRIT 2) involving more than 1,200 women with moderate-to-severe endometriosis-related pain. Additionally, an 80-week open-label extension study has assessed its longer-term use.

GP and National Clinical Director at Evoca Women’s Health, Dr Sneha Wadhwani, welcomed the new treatment option, stating, “The listing of an additional therapy for endometriosis on the PBS is an important step forward in patient care. Being able to prescribe Ryeqo for up to two years on the PBS means we can offer patients earlier access to treatment.

“With so many women facing up to seven-year delays to diagnosis and treatment initiation, having more options allows us to better support diagnosed patients to manage their symptoms, improve quality of life, and find the treatment that works for them.”

Glen Pearce, General Manager of Gedeon Richter Australia, reinforced the significance of the PBS listing, stating, “The PBS listing recognises the significant – and often overlooked – burden endometriosis places on women’s daily lives, and importantly ensures equitable, affordable access to symptomatic treatment. We are proud to be able to bring this therapy to Australian patients.”

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