A groundbreaking non-hormonal medication for menopausal symptoms has been given the green light for NHS use in England today.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence approved Veoza, also known as fezolinetant, on Wednesday, opening up a much-needed treatment pathway for women struggling with hot flushes and night sweats.
It's promising news for the estimated 500,000 women across England who can't take hormone replacement therapy for various medical reasons.
The drug, manufactured by Astellas Pharma, offers a genuine alternative for those who've had limited options until now.
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An estimated half a million women across England can't take hormone replacement therapy for medical reasons
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Hot flushes hit around 70 per cent of women going through menopause, causing sudden waves of intense heat that can disrupt everything from sleep to work productivity and exercise routines.
For decades, HRT has been the go-to treatment and remains the most effective option available, but it's not suitable for everyone.
Women with a history of breast or ovarian cancer, those who've experienced blood clots, or anyone with untreated high blood pressure often can't safely use hormonal treatments.
Others find the side effects difficult to manage, while some simply prefer a non-hormonal approach to tackling their symptoms.
The treatment comes as a once-daily 45mg tablet that targets the root cause of symptoms in a clever way.
It works by blocking the nerve pathways in the brain responsible for triggering those dreaded hot flushes and night sweats.
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Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, said: "We know that menopausal hot flushes and night sweats can have a profound impact on quality of life and significantly affect overall wellbeing.
"For those who are unable to take HRT for varying reasons, options have historically been limited, and we have heard clearly from patients how difficult that can be.
"The evidence shows fezolinetant can meaningfully reduce symptoms, and was found to be cost-effective, offering value for the taxpayer."
Hot flushes hit around 70 per cent of women going through menopause
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Dr Sue Mann, national clinical director in women's health for NHS England, said: "Symptoms of menopause, including hot flushes and night sweats, can affect every part of a woman's life, so this is very welcome news, especially for women who are unable to or don't wish to take hormone replacement therapy.
"It's another vital treatment option, which could help hundreds of thousands of women experiencing menopause to better manage their symptoms and feel more in control of their health."
This approval marks a significant moment for women's healthcare, giving those who've struggled without suitable options a real chance to reclaim their quality of life.
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