This is a decisive step forward in the treatment of endometriosis. This Friday, October 18, the High Authority for Health (HAS) has given the green light in favor of coverage, via an exemption system, of the saliva test to diagnose endometriosis produced by Lyon biotech Ziwig.
Today, between 1.5 and 2.5 million people are affected by endometriosis, or around 1 in 10 women. The treatment, heavy and expensive, benefits in certain cases from Social Security coverage. The point in this article.
Endometriosis: what is it?
L’endometriosis is a chronic disease which is characterized by the development of an endometrial-like uterine lining outside the uterus, most commonly in the pelvic cavity. These foci of endometriosis react to hormonal fluctuations occurring during the menstrual cycle.
Depending on where they are located, they can cause:
- Painful periods;
- Pain during sexual intercourse;
- Urinary pain;
- Intestinal disorders;
- Chronic pelvic pain;
- Chronic fatigue;
- Back and shoulder pain;
- Or even be a cause of infertility.
Depressive state and chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, frequent sick leave, marital difficulties, incomprehension… this disease has a resounding impact on the personal and professional lives of the women who suffer from it.
Endometriosis: soon a saliva test to facilitate detection?
Last week, the High Authority for Health (HAS) validated the coverage of an exceptional device for detecting endometriosis.
In detail, the Lyon biotech Ziwig now has a clinical study protocol considered sufficiently solid, “HAS is in favor of exceptional financial support for Endotest”via a package called “innovation”, “to allow certain patients to access it as quickly as possible”. Certain women over the age of 18, for whom endometriosis is strongly suspected, will therefore be able to carry out this saliva test free of charge.
It should be noted that this support will be conditional on participation in a clinical study, which plans to include 2,500 patients, spread across 80 voluntary centers.
« The clinical study carried out in this regard will make it possible to provide early and secure access to the test and to collect missing data for future evaluation for common law treatment. » and a possible “ broad and lasting reimbursement », Specified the HAS. The Ministry of Health indicated that it would follow the advice of the HAS, which could potentially lead to broader support.
Endometriosis: what social security support?
Currently, theendometriosis is recognized as a long-term condition not listed (ALD 31). Off-list conditions are progressive or disabling forms of serious illness, requiring treatment lasting more than 6 months, which is often expensive.
This ALD 31 status is not automatically granted as soon as the diagnosis of endometriosis is made, unlike ALDs registered on the ALD 30 list.
On the other hand, if it is recognized, this status makes it possible to obtain the same rights as the ALD30, that is to say full coverage of costs and the elimination of waiting days beyond the second stop. disease.
The problem with this status is that it is much more difficult to obtain: it depends on the seriousness of the pathology and is at the discretion of the doctor who must request it from Health Insurance. Today, out of the 1.5 to 2.5 million sick women, only 15,000 have obtained this status.
