The investigational drug elinzanetant significantly reduces the frequency and severity of hot flashes associated with menopause while improving women's quality of life, new UVA Health research published in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association shows. The nonhormonal drug, containing no estrogen, was tested in two phase 3 trials, Oasis 1 and 2, at dozens of locations in the United States, Europe, and Israel, including UVA Health. Postmenopausal women ages 40-65 with moderate to severe hot flashes were randomized to receive either 120 mg of elinzanetant daily for 26 weeks or a harmless matching placebo for 12 weeks followed by 14 weeks on elinzanetant.
The women who received elinzanetant reported rapid improvements in their symptoms and quality of life. The trials revealed statistically significant reductions in hot flash frequency and severity within the first week in both trials. At the same time, sleep quality and overall quality of life improved in both trials by week 12.
The effectiveness for relief of hot flashes in highly symptomatic women along with improvements in sleep and mood across multiple trials and favorable safety profile of elinzanetant suggests it has potential as a non-estrogen treatment for women with bothersome menopausal symptoms. Elinzenetant is a dual neurokinin receptor antagonist in testing, meaning it works on two receptors in the brain to improve hot flashes, night sweats sleep, and overall mood." JoAnn V.
Pinkerton, MD, resear.