More than 500,000 women in England are to be offered a drug on the NHS that prevents hot flushes.
The green light for Veoza, also known as fezolinetant, comes after the medicines watchdog, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, on Wednesday authorised it for use.
Hot flushes, also called vasomotor symptoms, affect about 70% of women going through menopause. Women can suddenly and overwhelmingly feel hot, which often has an impact on their quality of life, exercise, sleep and productivity.
Despite the enormous numbers of women affected, for decades there have been few safe and effective treatment options. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most effective, but this is unsuitable for many, such as some women with a history of breast or ovarian cancer, blood clots or with untreated high blood pressure. Some women experience side-effects or would prefer a non-hormonal alternative.
The new treatment option for menopausal hot flushes and night sweats will be available on the NHS when HRT is not suitable. The treatment, made by Astellas Pharma, works by blocking the nerve pathways in the brain.
HRT remains the first-line treatment option and, given its established benefits and the range of formulations now available, it is likely most women with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms would continue to take it. However, fezolinetant addresses an urgent need for those who cannot or do not wish to use HRT, Nice said.
About 500,000 women will be eligible to benefit, the Guardian understands.
The fezolinetant 45mg 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 flushes and night sweats.
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, said: “We know that menopausal hot flushes and night sweats can have a profound impact on quality of life and significantly affect overall wellbeing.
“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 woman’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.”
