Elinzanetant is an orally active small-molecule neurokinin/tachykinin NK1 receptor and NK3 receptor antagonist (Lynket).
It is used for the treatment of hot flashes and sex hormone disorders.
It has been found to relieve hot flashes in postmenopausal women and to dose-dependently suppress luteinizing hormone, estradiol, and progesterone levels in premenopausal women.
Its use in hormone receptor positive breast cancer and hormonal therapy leads to a significantly lower frequency of vasomotor symptoms associated compared with placebo.
It targets the brain’s neurokinin system to provide a hormone-free treatment for moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS), such as hot flashes and night sweats, associated with menopause.
Mechanism of Action: It reduces the frequency and severity of hot flashes without introducing external hormones, making it a non-hormonal alternative to therapies like hormone replacement.
It has also been shown to suppress luteinizing hormone, estradiol, and progesterone levels in a dose-dependent manner.
Primary Uses
Menopause-related vasomotor symptoms (VMS)
VMS in breast cancer patients: Studied for women on endocrine therapy (e.g., tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors), where hot flashes are a common side effect.
Clinical Trial Results
Elinzanetant has demonstrated strong efficacy in Phase 3 trials:
In the OASIS 1 and 2 studies it reduced the weekly number of moderate to severe hot flashes by 45–66% at 12 weeks compared to 28–40% with placebo.
A 52-week extension of OASIS trials showed sustained reductions of up to 73% in hot flash frequency, with improvements in sleep quality and overall quality of life.
In the ELANTRA trial it eased hot flashes in women on hormonal therapy for breast cancer, marking it as the first therapy of its kind for this group.
Common side effects including headache, somnolence, and fatigue.
Long-term studies, up to 52 weeks, confirm a favorable profile, with no new safety signals.
Elinzanetant represents a potential breakthrough for millions of women experiencing menopausal symptoms, addressing an unmet need for effective, non-hormonal options.