Advances in Menopause Treatment: A Focus on the Neurokinin Pathway

Author(s):

Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA, CPEL,JoAnn V. Pinkerton, MD, FACOG, MSCP

Key Takeaways

Neurokinin is crucial in the pathophysiology of vasomotor symptoms linked to menopause, offering a target for novel treatments.
Fezolinetant, a nonhormonal agent, antagonizes neurokinin-3 receptors to treat moderate to severe VMS.
Elinzanetant targets neurokinin-1 and neurokinin-3 receptors, potentially addressing mood disturbances and sleep disorders.
Targeting neurokinin pathways may provide advantages over hormonal therapies by reducing associated risks.

Panelists discuss the role of neurokinin in the pathophysiology of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and examine the mechanisms of action of novel nonhormonal agents such as fezolinetant and elinzanetant, highlighting the advantages of targeting neurokinin pathways over traditional hormonal treatments and their potential to address related menopause issues such as mood disturbances and sleep disorders.

EP: 1.Understanding the Burden of Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms

EP: 2.Barriers to VMS Treatment and Impact on Long-Term Health

EP: 3.Improving Access and Equity in VMS Treatment

EP: 4.Integrating VMS Treatment Into Comprehensive Women’s Health Management

Now Viewing

EP: 5.Advances in Menopause Treatment: A Focus on the Neurokinin Pathway

EP: 6.Fezolinetant in Focus: Key Findings From the SKYLIGHT Trials

Video content above is prompted by the following:

(PINKERTON) What is the role of neurokinin in the pathophysiology of vasomotor symptoms?
(SMITH) Fezolinetant is a nonhormonal novel agent now available for the treatment of moderate to severe VMS due to menopause. How is moderate to severe VMS defined? What is the mechanism of action of fezolinetant?
(PINKERTON) Elinzanetant is another nonhormonal, novel agent recently submitted for FDA approval for the treatment of moderate to severe VMS. What is the mechanism of action of elinzanetant, and how might the unique mechanism of NK1 antagonism help to treat other menopause-related conditions, such as mood disturbances or sleep disorders?
(FIFFICK) What are the advantages of targeting the neurokinin pathways in menopause treatment compared with traditional hormonal approaches?