Fezolinetant is a non-hormonal treatment that works by blocking the nerve pathways in the brain that trigger hot flushes and night sweats.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recommended a new treatment option for menopausal hot flushes and night sweats that can be used in the NHS when hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not suitable.
Fezolinetant (also called Veoza and made by Astellas Pharma) is recommended to treat moderate to severe symptoms in final draft NICE guidance. It is taken once a day and is a non-hormonal treatment that works by blocking the nerve pathways in the brain that trigger hot flushes and night sweats.
“We know that menopausal hot flushes and night sweats can have a profound impact on quality of life and significantly affect overall wellbeing,” said Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE.
“The evidence shows fezolinetant can meaningfully reduce symptoms, and was found to be cost-effective, offering value for the taxpayer. This decision will give much-needed relief to those for whom HRT is unsuitable,” she continued.
HRT remains the first-line treatment option and, given its established benefits and the range of formulations now available, it’s likely most people with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms would continue to take it.
Fezolinetant can be used when HRT is medically not recommended, for example in cases of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. It can also be used following a clinical risk assessment in some cases of diabetes or heart disease.
“It’s another vital treatment option which could help hundreds of thousands of women experiencing menopause to better manage their symptoms and feel more in control of their health,” said Sue Mann, national clinical director in women’s health for NHS England.
