Elinzanetant in moderate to severe menopausal vasomotor symptoms: a profile of its use

Elinzanetant (Lynkuet®), an oral selective dual neurokinin-1 (NK-1) and neurokinin-3 (NK-3) receptor antagonist, is an important non-hormonal treatment option for moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with menopause. It is the first dual NK-targeted therapy approved for this indication in several countries, including the USA and in the EU. In pivotal phase 3 trials, elinzanetant significantly reduced the frequency and severity of menopausal VMS (primary endpoints), with reductions in frequency evident as early as week 1. Elinzanetant also significantly improved sleep disturbances and menopause-related quality of life. Efficacy was sustained for up to 52 weeks of treatment. Elinzanetant was generally well tolerated, with fatigue and headache being the most frequent treatment-related adverse events. The drug showed a favourable safety profile, with no hepatotoxicity signal. Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), otherwise known as hot flashes, are cardinal symptoms of menopause. VMS can be frequent, severe and disruptive, affecting sleep and quality of life for many women. Elinzanetant (Lynkuet®) is the first oral treatment that blocks neurokinin-1 (NK-1) and neurokinin-3 (NK-3) receptors in the brain, which are involved in triggering hot flashes. Elinzanetant has been approved for the treatment of moderate to severe menopausal VMS in several countries including the USA and in the EU. Clinical trials have shown that elinzanetant significantly reduces the frequency and severity of VMS, and improves sleep disturbances and menopause-related quality of life. Elinzanetant was generally well tolerated, with no evidence of liver toxicity. The most frequent treatment-related adverse events included fatigue and headache. Thus, elinzanetant is an important non-hormonal treatment option for moderate to severe menopausal VMS.