Jyseleca recommended by HSE for treatment of ulcerative colitis in Ireland

Galapagos Biotech LTD has announced that further to approval from the Health Service Executive (HSE), eligible patients in Ireland will be able to access Jyseleca (filgotinib), a once-daily tablet. Filgotinib is a new medicine for the treatment of moderate to severe Ulcerative Colitis (UC) when other treatments have not been successful.

UC is a lifelong disability caused by chronic inflammation, impacting many aspects of a person’s life, causing frequent and irregular bowel movements, increased anxiety, and depression, alongside a heightened risk of colon cancer.

The HSE’s recommendation will enable Irish patients to access the treatment immediately. The SMC and NICE are scheduled to issue recommendations regarding the use of filgotinib over the coming weeks.

“The approval of filgotinib by the HSE addresses the continued need for additional effective treatments for patients living with ulcerative colitis. By having the potential to provide relief from ongoing symptoms such as diarrhoea, urgency, bleeding and abdominal pain with a once-daily tablet, filgotinib provides patients with the option to manage their condition in the convenience of their own home. The potential to regain a normal quality of life offers a very welcome option for many living with this long-term disabling illness,” said Professor Glen Doherty, Consultant Gastroenterologist, St Vincent’s University Hospital.

Patients with UC experience disabling digestive symtpoms, including diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain, in everyday life. Over 30% of patients also experience extraintestinal manifestations, including metabolic bone disease, and pauci-articular arthritis.

“Galapagos is committed to making sure that we fill areas of unmet need for patients, from research and discovery of potential new technologies, through to delivery to those in need. We are delighted with the decision from the Health Service Executive to approve filgotinib in ulcerative colitis and will continue our mission to improve the lives of people living with the burden of inflammatory conditions,” said Emma Chaffin, VP & Country Head, Galapagos UK and Ireland.

Ana Ovey