The NHS will offer more than 500,000 women in England a drug that prevents hot flashes.
The green light for Veoza, also known as fezolinetant, comes after medicines watchdog the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence authorized its use on Wednesday.
Hot flashes, also called vasomotor symptoms, affect approximately 70% of women going through menopause. Women may feel suddenly and overwhelmingly hot, which often impacts their quality of life, exercise, sleep, and productivity.
Despite the huge number of women affected, there have been few safe and effective treatment options for decades. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most effective, but it is not suitable for many women, such as some women with a history of breast or ovarian cancer, blood clots, or untreated high blood pressure. Some women experience side effects or would prefer a non-hormonal alternative.
The new treatment option for menopausal hot flashes and night sweats will be available on the NHS when HRT is not suitable. The treatment, made by Astellas Pharma, works by blocking nerve pathways in the brain.
HRT remains the first-line treatment option and, given its established benefits and the variety of formulations currently available, most people with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms are likely to continue taking it. However, fezolinetant addresses an urgent need for those who cannot or do not want to use HRT, Nice said.
Around 500,000 women will be eligible to benefit, The Guardian understands.
Fezolinetantante 45 mg tablet is taken once a day and is a non-hormonal treatment that works by blocking the nerve pathways in the brain that trigger hot flashes and night sweats.
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, said: “We know that the hot flashes and night sweats of menopause can have a profound impact on quality of life and significantly affect overall wellbeing.
“For those who cannot take HRT for various reasons, options have historically been limited and we have heard clearly from patients how difficult it can be.
“Evidence shows that fezolinetant can significantly reduce symptoms and was found to be cost-effective, offering value to the taxpayer. This decision will provide much-needed relief to those for whom HRT is not suitable.”
Dr Sue Mann, national clinical director for women’s health for NHS England, said: “Menopause symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats, can affect all aspects of a woman’s life, so this is very welcome news, especially for women who cannot or do not wish to take hormone replacement therapy.
“It is another vital treatment option, which could help hundreds of thousands of women experiencing menopause better manage their symptoms and feel more in control of their health.”
