Menopause Drug Veoza Approved in the UK

December 19, 2023

The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has recently approved a new drug, Veoza, offering potential relief to women experiencing hot flushes during menopause. This non-hormonal medication has already gained approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, marking a significant development for women’s health.

About Hot Flushes

Hot flushes affect approximately 70% of menopausal women globally, significantly impacting their daily lives. These episodes disrupt routine activities like exercise and sleep. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the primary treatment for hot flushes, it may not be suitable for everyone due to factors such as side effects, a history of cancer, blood clotting issues, or untreated high blood pressure. Additionally, some women prefer non-hormonal alternatives.

How Veoza Works

Veoza, also known as fezolinetant, is a non-hormonal menopause drug that directly targets the brain to prevent hot flushes by blocking a protein called neurokinin-3. Although not recommended for women over 65, Veoza has the potential to provide relief for those unsuitable for HRT. The drug acts on the brain’s temperature control pathway without replacing estrogen, offering a unique approach to treating moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause.

Promising Clinical Results

A large clinical trial of Veoza demonstrated a remarkable 60% reduction in the frequency of hot flushes after 12 weeks of use in women with moderate or severe symptoms. Experts have hailed Veoza as a “completely blockbuster drug” due to its innovative mechanism of action.

Accessibility and Future Prospects

While the cost of Veoza treatment in the UK is yet to be determined, in the US, it is priced at $550 (£430) for a 30-day supply. The drug will be available privately starting January 5, according to Astellas, the company behind its development. Astellas is also seeking access through the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to make Veoza available on the NHS, underscoring the potential widespread impact of this groundbreaking medication.

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