Drug against hot flashes shows rapid and significant benefits in crucial clinical trials

“The efficacy of elinzanetant in relieving hot flashes in women with severe symptoms, along with improvements in sleep and mood in several studies and its favorable safety profile, suggest that it may be useful as a non-estrogenic treatment for women with bothersome menopausal symptoms,” said researcher Dr. JoAnn V. Pinkerton, director of midlife health at UVA Health.

Treatment of hot flashes

Reduced estrogen levels during menopause – and for some women for years afterward – cause hot flashes. Although hormone therapy is an existing treatment option, some women cannot tolerate it or prefer not to use it due to potential side effects or contraindications. For this reason, researchers say, menopausal women need a new, effective and safe alternative without estrogen.

“There is a tremendous unmet need for new treatments for distressing hot flashes and sweats, which have been shown to impact workplace productivity and relationships both at work and at home,” said Pinkerton, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and executive director emeritus of the Menopause Society. “Sleep disturbances are one of the most bothersome symptoms reported by women during menopause and can impact mood, fatigue, emotional lability, work productivity and their quality of life.”

In addition to evaluating the effects of elinzanetant on hot flashes, sleep disturbances and quality of life, researchers also looked at potential side effects. Headache and fatigue were the most common side effects, but they were mild. No serious side effects were reported, which is reassuring about the drug's safety.

“I am excited about the potential of elinzanetant as a non-hormonal treatment option for women with very distressing menopausal symptoms who cannot or do not want to take hormone therapy,” said Pinkerton. “I hope it can become a safe and effective non-estrogenic treatment option for menopausal women.”

The Oasis studies were funded by Bayer.