Gedeon Richter UK has launched Nalvee (10mg dydrogesterone) in the UK, marking the return of a dydrogesterone-only formulation for hormone replacement therapy after more than 17 years. The oral tablet offers clinicians a new progestogen option for non-hysterectomised women receiving oestrogen therapy.
Nalvee is a branded generic of a product first introduced in 1961 but withdrawn from the UK market in 2008 due to declining HRT use. It remains available in other countries and has a favourable safety profile from over 60 years of clinical use.
Dydrogesterone closely mimics natural progesterone and is highly bioavailable. It protects the endometrium from unopposed oestrogen and supports a predictable bleeding pattern. Studies show 97% success in endometrial protection with the 10mg dose.
Its high specificity for progesterone receptors allows efficacy at low doses—10 to 20 times lower than micronised progesterone. Clinical trials confirm its effectiveness and tolerability in postmenopausal women.
A meta-analysis of four studies showed that dydrogesterone combined with oestradiol produced well-tolerated bleeding profiles. Most women reported slight cyclical bleeds with predictable duration, enhancing treatment satisfaction.
Dr Paula Briggs, Consultant in Sexual and Reproductive Health, said: “One of the major reasons given by women for discontinuing HRT is the return of bleeding often requiring further investigation. This dydrogesterone-only treatment, with its favourable endometrial safety profile and predictable, lighter bleeding patterns, gives clinicians another option to personalise HRT to enhance patient satisfaction.”
Remigijus Narauskas, Managing Director of Gedeon Richter UK, said: “We are delighted to launch Nalvee in the UK market, providing an additional progestogen option for menopause treatment. With this growth of our HRT portfolio, we are underscoring our dedication to women’s health.”
