Approval of Fezolinetant marks a milestone in Menopause care

In a significant development for menopause care, Fezolinetant is now available for patients in Switzerland and Germany. Fezolinetant is a novel drug designed to target and alleviate symptoms associated with menopausal vasomotor symptoms (VMS), including hot flashes and night sweats. Developed through extensive research and clinical trials, Fezolinetant has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in managing VMS. Side effects are rare (see infobox).

Fezolinetant belongs to a class of drugs known as neurokinin-3 (NK3) receptor antagonists. These receptors play a crucial role in regulating the release of certain neurotransmitters, including substances that are associated with the modulation of temperature and mood. By blocking NK3 receptors, Fezolinetant helps to restore the balance of these neurotransmitters which leads to a reduction in the frequency and severity of VMS.

Expert Opinion

Dr. med. Sabrina Vollrath

We asked Dr. med. Sabrina Vollrath, member of the herea Expert board, for a quick statement. She explains:

VEOZA(^TM) with its active ingredient Fezolinetant is a product of the pharmaceutical company Astellas. It is the first selective NK3 receptor antagonist and, unlike most existing drugs targeting VMS, it is not a hormone. It helps with moderate to severe VMS such as hot flashes and perspiration. VEOZA(^TM) is a new approach in the treatment of these usually very troublesome menopausal symptoms.

Neurons in the hypothalamus (part of the brain) called KNDy (kisspeptin/neurokinin B/dynorphin) are inhibited by estrogen and stimulated by a peptide called neuropeptide NKB, which normally regulates body temperature. This balance is disturbed during menopause as the resulting drop in estrogen leads to a thermoregulation disorder due to increased KNDy neuron activity, which in turn manifests itself in a feeling of warmth, sweating and hot flushes.

NKB binds to a receptor called NK3. VEOZA(^TM) targets the exact trigger of VMS by selectively binding to the NK3 receptors. It thus blocks NKB therefore significantly reduces VMS by up to 75%. VEOZA(^TM) is especially interesting if menopausal hormone therapy was previously contraindicated, for example after breast cancer.

Simplified mechanism of Fezolinetant. VMS= vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweat etc.)