New data shows elinzanetant's efficacy in treating menopausal symptoms

In a recent interview, JoAnn Pinkerton, MD, highlighted new phase 3 data about the safety and efficacy of elinzanetant in managing menopausal symptoms presented at the 2024 ACOG Annual Clinical & Scientific Meeting.

Elinzanetant was evaluated in the OASIS-1 and OASIS-2 trials, with the treatment of hot flashes compared to placebo. Both primary and secondary efficacy endpoints were met, indicating improvements in hot flash frequency and severity at weeks 4 and 12.

Additionally, the frequency of hot flashes was improved by week 1 among participants receiving elinzanetant, and improved sleep and overall menopause quality of life was reported. This indicated promise for the treatment hot flashes, sleep issues, and menopause-related mood issues.

Elinzanetant is a dual neurokinin-1,3 receptor antagonist, working in the thermoregulatory zone of the brain. This differs from other treatment options such as fezolinetant which is only a neurokinin-1 antagonist.

Pinkerton expressed eagerness from the rapid efficacy observed by week 1, as well as the benefits observed on sleep and mood. This indicated elinzanetant as a potential therapy for managing moderate to severe hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood.

Additionally, Pinkerton noted that while all participants showed improvement at week 12 regardless of elinzanetant vs placebo use, far more significant improvements were observed after switching everyone to elinzanetant. As an investigator, Pinkerton found the treatment was highly effective.

“Women who have moderate to severe hot flushes associated with menopause are often very disturbed and distressed by the effect of those hot flushes,” Pinkerton noted. “They affect their workplace productivity, their relationships at work and home.”

Estrogen therapy may reduce these negative outcomes among healthy women within 10 years of menopause. However, estrogen-sensitive breast cancers, blood clots, strokes, and other contraindications may prevent women from receiving this treatment. Elizanetant has shown to be a promising alternative for these patients.