The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued Final Draft Guidance (FDG) recommending Astellas Pharma Ltd’s VEOZA™▼ (fezolinetant) 45 mg once daily as an option to treat moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms caused by menopause when hormone replacement therapy is unsuitable.

The recommendation provides another path for women seeking management of hot flushes and night-sweats, supporting more personalised menopause care. Hot flushes and night sweats are a common symptom of menopause and may significantly disrupt quality of life. They are known to worsen other symptoms of menopause, including sleep quality, work productivity, energy, anxiety and mood. Fezolinetant reduces the frequency and intensity of hot flushes and night sweats by selectively blocking a neurotransmitter (neurokinin B) in the brain that is involved in causing hot flushes.

Dr Timir Patel, Medical Director, Astellas, UK, said: “Emerging real-world evidence on the use of fezolinetant shows how effectively managing hot flushes and night-sweats can positively affect sleep quality, work productivity, and overall daily functioning. With many women in the UK still under-served by available treatment options when HRT is deemed unsuitable, this recommendation provides another option for those suffering from moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause.”

Dr Vikram Talaulikar, Associate Specialist, Reproductive Medicine, University College London Hospitals and Honorary Associate Professor at University College London said: “Despite progress, the sad reality is that many women continue to suffer in silence as not all current treatments meet their specific needs. NICE’s decision means that NHS doctors now have an alternative treatment that was specifically designed and studied to improve particular symptoms of menopause. It is excellent news for the furtherment of women’s health in the UK and provides women with a wider choice of options.”