Drug which fights hot flushes without HRT is approved for use in the UK

A 'blockbuster' drug that acts directly on the brain to prevent hot flashes has been approved for use in Britain.

Fezolinetant could be transformative in addressing menopausal symptoms in women who cannot or do not want to use hormone replacement therapy.

The non-hormonal drug has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority in the US seven months after approval by the Food and Drug Administration.

Professor Waljit Dhillo, an endocrinologist at Imperial College London, paved the way for the drug with research showing that targeting a specific part of the brain can reduce hot flashes.

He said: 'This is a blockbuster drug that could be game-changing for women.

'Hot flashes and night sweats can cause serious complaints and reduced quality of life for up to ten years.

'Until now in the UK there have been no effective treatments alongside HRT, which many women cannot use for medical reasons.'

A large study found that fezolinetant, made by Astellas Pharma, could reduce the daily frequency of moderate or severe hot flashes by about 60 percent.

Haitham Hamoda, from the British Menopause Society, said: 'Having access to fezolinetant will increase choice for women, especially those who cannot use HRT or do not want to use it.'

Professor Annice Mukherjee, from Coventry University, said: 'Night sweats and hot flashes affect sleep, mood and energy, so more treatment options are really welcome.'