More than 500,000 women in England will soon have access to a new drug on the NHS to treat hot flushes and night sweats caused by menopause. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has authorised Veoza, also known as fezolinetant, for women for whom hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is unsuitable.
Hot flushes, or vasomotor symptoms, affect around 70% of women going through menopause, often impacting quality of life, sleep, and productivity. While HRT is the most effective treatment, it is not suitable for many women, including those with a history of breast or ovarian cancer, blood clots, or untreated high blood pressure. Some women also experience side effects or prefer a non-hormonal option.
Veoza, manufactured by Astellas Pharma, is a once-daily 45mg tablet that works by blocking nerve pathways in the brain that trigger hot flushes and night sweats. Nice has recommended it as a second-line treatment when HRT cannot be used. Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, stated: 'The evidence shows fezolinetant can meaningfully reduce symptoms, and was found to be cost-effective, offering value for the taxpayer.'
Dr Sue Mann, national clinical director for women's health at NHS England, welcomed the decision, saying: '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.' The drug is expected to provide relief to hundreds of thousands of women.
