Drug which fights hot flushes without HRT is approved for use in the UK

A ‘blockbuster’ drug which acts directly on the brain to prevent hot flushes has been approved for use in the UK.

Fezolinetant could be transformative in tackling symptoms of the menopause for women who cannot use, or do not wish to take, hormone replacement therapy.

The non-hormonal drug has been authorised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority seven months after being approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the US.

Professor Waljit Dhillo, an endocrinologist at Imperial College London, paved the way for the drug with research that found targeting a particular part of the brain can dial down hot flushes.

He said: ‘This is a blockbuster drug which could be game-changing for women. 

‘Hot flushes and night sweats can cause severe distress and reduced quality of life for up to a decade.

‘Up until now there were no effective treatments in the UK besides HRT, which many women cannot take for medical reasons.’

Fezolinetant, made by Astellas Pharma, was found in a large trial to reduce the daily frequency of moderate or severe hot flushes by about 60 per cent. 

Haitham Hamoda, from the British Menopause Society, said: ‘Having access to fezolinetant will increase the choice available to women, in particular those who can’t take HRT or do not wish to take it.’

Professor Annice Mukherjee, at the University of Coventry, said: ‘Night sweats and flushes impact sleep, mood and energy, so more treatment options are really welcomed.’