FDA approves hormone-free menopause drug targeting hot flashes
Women will soon have a new option when addressing menopausal hot flashes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a once-a-day, hormone-free pill that treats moderate to severe hot flashes.
The drug, elinzanetant, will be available in the U.S. beginning in November under the brand name Lynkuet, according to the drugmaker Bayer.
“This FDA approval represents a bold step forward – our first hormone-free treatment for alleviating vasomotor symptoms of menopause,” Christine Roth, a spokesperson for Bayer, said in a news release Friday.
Combatting hot flashes
The drug works by blocking brain chemicals responsible for hot flashes and night sweats, also known as vasomotor symptoms. CNN reports it’s estimated that more than 80% of women experience hot flashes during menopause.
Lynkuet is an alternative option for women who can’t take typical hormone therapy drugs, such as those with certain cancers or underlying conditions.
“There is a need for more individualized approaches to menopause care, and Lynkuet addresses a significant gap in treatment options,” Roth said.
Bayer conducted three trials on the drug. It found that of 628 postmenopausal women, 73% saw a reduction in the frequency of their vasomotor symptoms after taking the drug for 12 weeks.
The most common side-effects found in the trial were drowsiness, fatigue and headaches.
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