Astellas Pharma Australia Pty Ltd has announced that first-of-its-kind non-hormonal treatment , VEOZA™ ( fezolinetant ), has been approved for use in Australia for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms ( VMS ) associated with menopause . VMS are commonly referred to as hot flushes and night sweats .

Up to 80 % of women experience VMS during the menopausal transition , these can range in severity from mild , moderate to severe . For most people , VMS due to menopause lasts for 7.4 years . In some cases , VMS may last longer than 10 years . The impact of VMS on overall health and wellbeing can be significant .

Data shows that women who experience frequent VMS experience higher rates of anxiety , depression , difficulty sleeping and overall impaired quality of life that may impact the ability to work and carry out day-today activities . Despite these profound impacts , a study of Australian women aged 40-64 years showed that 85 % of women with moderate to severe VMS are not currently receiving treatment , or around 385,000 women .

“ We know that stigma and other barriers prevent many women from having conversations with their doctor ,” said Professor Rodney Baber , Head of Menopause and Menstrual Disorders Clinic at the Royal North Shore Hospital

in Sydney . “ Hot flushes and night sweats associated with menopause can be very disruptive , affecting a person ’ s sleep , mood , energy and overall quality of life , with some women experiencing symptoms for ten years or more . Women should talk to their doctor about managing symptoms in ways that suit their medical history and personal preferences .”

“ Approval of VEOZA means we have a new non-hormonal treatment option available for women experiencing these disruptive symptoms ,” said Professor Baber .

Before menopause , there is a balance between the hormone oestrogen and a certain brain chemical ( neurokinin B ) which regulates the body ’ s temperature control centre . As the body goes through menopause , oestrogen levels decrease , and this balance is disrupted , which leads to VMS . Moderate VMS include the sensation of heat with sweating , while severe VMS involve intense sensations of heat with sweating that interferes with the continuation of an activity .

VEOZA works by blocking neurokinin B binding in the body ’ s temperature control centre to reduce the number and intensity of VMS . It is given as a oncedaily oral pill .

“ We welcome the approval of VEOZA , a non-hormonal treatment option based on the biology behind hot flushes ,” said Christine Kemp , Senior Medical

Lead at Astellas Australia . “ Today ’ s approval marks an important step in increasing the choices available to women experiencing some of the most bothersome symptoms of menopause . At Astellas , we are proud to be delivering innovative therapies in areas of unmet need .”

In addition to the approval in

Australia , VEOZA has also been approved for treatment of VMS in the United States , the United Kingdom and by the European Commission .

For further information about menopause and management options to suit their individual circumstances , people should speak to their general practitioner .