FDA Approves First Nonhormonal Drug to Ease Menopause Hot Flashes

FDA Approves First Nonhormonal Drug to Ease Menopause Hot Flashes

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved the first nonhormonal medication aimed at easing menopause hot flashes.

The new pill, called Veozah (fezolinetant), is from a class of drugs called neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor antagonists. It targets a specific brain neuron that’s thought to be set off balance as estrogen levels naturally decline during menopause.

“It works by binding to and blocking the activities of the NK3 receptor, which plays a role in the brain’s regulation of body temperature,” the FDA explained in a news release issued Friday.

“Hot flashes as a result of menopause can be a serious physical burden on women and impact their quality of life,” said Dr. Janet Maynard, who directs the Office of Rare Diseases, Pediatrics, Urologic and Reproductive Medicine at the agency’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

“The introduction of a new molecule to treat moderate to severe menopausal hot flashes will provide an additional safe and effective treatment option for women,” she said in the news release.