Introduction
Menopausal vasomotor symptoms (VMS), commonly known as hot flashes and night sweats, affect a significant proportion of women during the menopausal transition. These symptoms can be moderate to severe, impacting sleep quality and overall quality of life. Current therapeutic options include hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and non-hormonal agents, but limitations such as contraindications, safety concerns, and variable efficacy underscore the need for novel treatments. Bayer’s new small molecule drug, Lynkuet (elinzanetant), recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), marks a promising advancement as a first-in-class dual neurokinin receptor antagonist targeting both NK-1 and NK-3 receptors for management of moderate to severe menopausal VMS. This article critically reviews the clinical evidence supporting the approval of Lynkuet, its mechanism of action, and potential implications for clinical practice.
