Overview
- Study investigators presented interim OPTION‑VMS results at ENDO 2026 on Sunday showing that 201 women taking fezolinetant experienced significant drops in hot flashes and night sweats at 4, 8 and 12 weeks.
- Depression and anxiety scores improved as early as four weeks for women on fezolinetant, with some participants’ symptoms moving from mild to normal.
- The OPTION‑VMS analysis included 656 women ages 40 to 75 and compared fezolinetant to SSRIs/SNRIs and other non‑hormonal options, which also showed mood benefits.
- Fezolinetant and similar drugs work in the brain by blocking neurokinin B, a pathway linked to temperature regulation and emotional symptoms, which may explain their rapid onset.
- Because the study is ongoing, observational, and industry‑sponsored, the findings support real‑world effectiveness but cannot replace randomized trials; clinicians and patients should weigh these results alongside safety data and individual treatment needs.