ICER Evidence Report inconclusive on fezolinetant

US health technology assessor the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) today posted its revised  Evidence Report assessing the comparative clinical effectiveness and value of Japanese pharma major Astellas’ (TYO: 4503) fezolinetant for the vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with menopause, finding the evidence for drug promising but inconclusive.

“While menopause is a part of normal aging for women, symptoms associated with menopause can last years and be disruptive,” said Dr David Rind, the ICER’s chief medical officer, adding: “Vasomotor symptoms include flushing and sweating, and when frequent and/or severe, or when sleep is affected, can harm quality of life. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) can often effectively treat symptoms of menopause including vasomotor symptoms, but some women have contraindications to MHT and others are concerned about side effects of MHT, including an increased risk of breast cancer. There is an important need for new evidence-based options.”

Key findings