New Non-Hormonal Menopausal Drug Approved In UK

A new non-hormonal drug to treat menopausal hot flushes and night sweats is now available through England’s National Health Service (NHS) for women who cannot take hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The medication, Veoza (fezolinetant), is a once-daily pill that works by blocking nerve pathways in the brain responsible for triggering these symptoms.

Menopause and the years leading up to it can significantly affect women’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Declining estrogen levels can lead to symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disruption, and difficulty concentrating. While HRT—delivered via tablets, patches, or gels—remains the primary treatment option, some women cannot use it due to conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or cardiovascular risks.

Health officials estimate that about 500,000 women could benefit from the new treatment. The UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended the drug after evidence showed it can meaningfully reduce symptoms and is cost-effective.

However, Veoza has not been tested in women with breast cancer, other estrogen-dependent cancers, or liver disease, and is therefore not recommended for these groups. While approved in 2023, the drug has only recently been endorsed for NHS use in England.