Press released published by Gedeon Richter on 9th October 2025.
Gedeon Richter Australia has announced today that Ryeqo® 40/1/0.5 (relugolix, estradiol, norethisterone acetate) has been registered for the treatment of endometriosis symptoms, including endometriosis pain, for adult women of reproductive age who have previously tried medical or surgical treatment for their endometriosis.1
Ryeqo is an oral treatment which contains the combination of a GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) receptor antagonist, relugolix, and a hormone add-back therapy, estradiol and norethisterone acetate, in a single, once-daily tablet.1 The main component, Relugolix works by reducing the hormone estrogen that drives endometriosis symptoms including pain, whilst the estradiol and norethisterone acetate add-back therapy components help to maintain hormonal balance.1,9 Eligible New Zealand women† can access Ryeqo via private prescription.9
Endometriosis is a progressive, painful disease where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, often affecting reproductive organs and other parts of the body.4,6 It can cause chronic pain that may include period pain, pain between periods, during or after sex, and when using the toilet. 4,6Symptoms vary and can significantly impact all aspects of women’s lives.10
Women with endometriosis face long delays to diagnosis, often waiting up to 8-10 years,7,9 and have limited treatment options available to them, including invasive surgery which is the most common way to identify and remove endometriosis from the body.11
“New Zealanders living with endometriosis have long faced a limited range of treatment options. To provide truly effective care, we must ensure equitable access to the full spectrum of evidence-based therapies. The availability of new treatment options is really positive for the more than 120,000 New Zealand women, girls and those assigned female at birth navigating this condition.” says Endometriosis New Zealand Chief Executive, Tanya Cooke.
“The first new treatment for endometriosis in 9 years is welcomed as another option and is an important step forward for the New Zealand endometriosis community who have been suffering unnecessarily and in silence for far too long,” says Professor Neil Johnson, gynaecologist from Auckland Gynaecology Group, past president of the World Endometriosis Society.
“Endometriosis and associated pelvic pain are frequently complex, and we continue to see unacceptable and significant negative impacts on the daily lives of those living with the condition – including physical activity, education, relationships, fertility, employment and mental wellbeing,” says Dr Michael Wynn-Williams, MBChB (Otago), FRANZCOG, Gynaecologist, Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Specialist.
“Because the endometriosis presents differently in each person, managing symptoms can be challenging and often requires interdisciplinary care. Improving access to a broader range of treatment options is vitally important to support those living with endometriosis, wherever they live in New Zealand,” he continues.
Endometriosis was included in Aotearoa’s first Women’s Health Strategy in 2023, however experts and patient group representatives are calling for the condition to become a greater priority within the New Zealand Health System and for the establishment of a National Endometriosis Action Plan.12,13
“Many New Zealanders living with endometriosis continue to live in pain every day while waiting many months or even years to see a specialist and access the treatment they need. It’s important that we work towards a more coordinated and national approach to help address underlying health system issues such as underfunding, outdated clinical pathways and the gender pain gap,” says Dr Michael Wynn-Williams.
“At Gedeon Richter, we are committed to providing long-term, real solutions for women’s health, including for those living with and affected by endometriosis. Ryeqo has received a speedy review and registration in New Zealand which we really appreciate. We are now able to support more women living with the substantial burden of endometriosis. Next, we look forward to working with relevant local organisations and authorities to work towards broader access to Ryeqo,” said Glen Pearce, General Manager, Gedeon Richter Australia.
Ryeqo was approved for the treatment of endometriosis symptoms in adult women of reproductive age in July 2025.1 It was initially approved in October 2023 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe symptoms of uterine fibroids in adult women of reproductive age.1 Ryeqo is not currently funded on the Pharmaceutical Schedule – patients will need to pay the medicine and any healthcare professional fees.