New menopause drug for hot flashes gets FDA approval
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new type of drug to treat hot flashes caused by menopause
By MATTHEW PERRONE
Published - May 12, 2023, 04:21 PM ET
Last Updated - Jun 21, 2023, 08:01 PM EDT
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators on Friday approved a new type of drug for women dealing with uncomfortable hot flashes caused by menopause.
The Food and Drug Administration approved the once-a-day pill from Astellas Pharma to treat moderate-to-severe symptoms, which can include sweating, flushing and chills.
Astellas' drug, Veozah, uses a new approach, targeting brain connections that help control body temperature. The FDA said the medication will provide "an additional safe and effective treatment option for women,” in a statement.
More than 80% of women experience hot flashes during menopause, the FDA noted, as the body gradually produces lower levels of reproductive hormones between the ages of 45 and 55.
