EC approves Astellas' Veoza for VMS treatment

The European Commission (EC) has authorized Japanese drugmaker Astellas Pharma’s (TYO: 4503) Veoza (fezolinetant) 45mg once daily for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with menopause.

Astellas gained rights to Veoza, which was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May, with its $855 million purchase of Ogeda in 2017. Veoza is expected to be a key growth driver for Astellas, with analysts forecasting revenues of up to $4 billion at peak.

“I’ve been awaiting the marketing authorization of fezolinetant. I’m happy to see this advancement in women’s health and that my patients will soon have this new nonhormonal treatment option available to better control their moderate to severe VMS,” commented Prof Rosella Nappi, full professor of obstetrics and Gynecology, chief Research Center for reproductive and director of the Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause unit at IRCCS San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia.