A new daily tablet designed to alleviate hot flushes and night sweats could offer a significant breakthrough for around 500,000 menopausal women, health officials have indicated.
The non-hormonal treatment, known as Fezolinetant (or Veoza), has been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for prescription on the NHS. It is specifically intended for individuals for whom traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is unsuitable.
Manufactured by Astellas Pharma, the medication operates by blocking the specific nerve pathways in the brain that are responsible for triggering these common menopausal symptoms.
Many women are unable to take HRT due to existing medical conditions, such as a history of blood clots. Furthermore, some individuals choose not to use HRT, despite it being the primary recommended treatment for symptoms associated with the menopause.
Nice said fezolinetant can meaningfully reduce symptoms, and making the treatment available through the NHS will offer “much-needed relief to those for whom HRT is unsuitable”.
The health spending watchdog added that women will need regular liver function monitoring while taking the treatment.
“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.
“For those who are unable to take HRT for varying reasons, options have historically been limited, and we have heard clearly from patients how difficult that can be.
“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.”
Dr Sue Mann, national clinical director in women’s health for NHS England, said: “Symptoms of menopause including hot flushes and night sweats can affect every part of a women’s life, so this is very welcome news especially for women who are unable to or don’t wish to take hormone replacement therapy.
“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.”
