Endometriosis: saliva tests reimbursed for certain women

"It's a cost of 800 euros per woman," which will be covered by health insurance, the minister said on France 2. These tests detecting endometriosis through saliva using RNA analysis and sequencing ("Endotest") were designed by the Lyon biotech company Ziwig. The studies on this test were deemed sufficiently promising by the High Authority for Health (HAS) to justify large-scale experimentation.

25,000 patients over 18 years old will be able to benefit from care

The HAS gave the green light in October to a support for these tests, via a special measure. The government had already indicated that it would follow this advice, which will finally be made official in a decree to be published this Tuesday. According to the Ministry of Health and Ziwig, some 25,000 patients over the age of 18 will be able to benefit from care in the coming months, an estimate that remains "theoretical" according to Ms. Vautrin's office.

The first 2,500 will be included in a clinical study, the results of which (reduction in the number of diagnostic surgeries, impact on overall care) will determine any possible generalisation of reimbursement. "As soon as we have the results concerning these patients, the High Authority for Health will give a definitive opinion which will make it possible to highlight the merits of the test and, behind it, support for all the women in our country.", said Ms. Vautrin on France 2.

Read alsoEndometriosis, a disease that affects one in 10 women, could be linked to a bacterial infection

Endometriosis affects more than 2 million women of childbearing age

The minister had personally committed to the subject upon her arrival in government by announcing in early 2024 the first reimbursements for tests from 2025. Endometriosis affects more than 2 million women of childbearing age.

The diagnostic delay surrounding this pathology is enormous: seven years on average are needed to make a diagnosis. The symptoms have a considerable impact on the quality of life of those affected, recalls the Ministry of Health.