A Novel Oral GnRH Antagonist for Managing Endometriosis Pain

Endometriosis affects 5% to 10% of reproductive-aged women and is a common cause of moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain. To evaluate the efficacy of a novel oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist, elagolix, for managing endometriosis pain, investigators conducted two manufacturer-funded trials involving 1689 women randomized to placebo or elagolix at a low dose (150 mg daily) or high dose (200 mg twice daily). Overall, 76% of participants completed 6 months of treatment.

In both trials at 3 months, meaningful reductions in dysmenorrhea pain were reported by about 44% of the low-dose elagolix group, 74% of the high-dose elagolix group, and 21% of the placebo group. Nonmenstrual pelvic pain was diminished in 50%, 56%…