A neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R) antagonist is a potential new nonhormonal therapy for menopausal hot flashes. In a randomized, crossover trial of an oral NK3R antagonist or placebo administered for four weeks each in symptomatic postmenopausal women, the average total weekly number of hot flashes decreased from approximately 85 at baseline to 20 and 50 in the treatment and placebo groups, respectively . Residual hot flashes in the treatment group were also less severe and less bothersome. Three subjects in the treatment group had transient increases in transaminases that were asymptomatic and returned to baseline post-trial.
Although results of this trial are encouraging, larger and longer duration trials are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of this drug. Source: Huang AJ, Subak LL, Wing R, et al. An intensive behavioral weight loss intervention and hot flushes in women. Arch…
