Effect of Elinzanetant on Sleep Quality and QOL

Sleep disturbance is among the most common and debilitating consequences of VMS. In this segment, Genevieve Neal-Perry, MD, PhD, explains that approximately half of women with hot flashes identify sleep disruption as their most troubling symptom, with downstream effects on work performance, economic stability, and overall health. OASIS trial analyses demonstrated significant improvements in sleep among women treated with elinzanetant (Lynkuet) compared with placebo.

Neal-Perry describes elinzanetant’s dual mechanism of action, targeting both neurokinin-3 and neurokinin-1 receptors. By modulating KNDy neurons involved in thermoregulation and additional neural pathways that influence sleep, elinzanetant addresses both VMS and sleep disturbance. This dual targeting is clinically meaningful because not all sleep dysfunction is directly caused by hot flashes.

Safety and tolerability data from pooled analyses showed a favorable profile across racial subgroups, including African American women. The most commonly reported adverse event was headache, with no evidence of endometrial hyperplasia or hepatotoxicity. Neal-Perry concludes that therapies addressing multiple dimensions of menopause can more fully meet patient needs and improve overall quality of life.