Neurokinin 3 Receptor Antagonism for Menopausal Flushes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Neurokinin 3 Receptor Antagonism as a Novel Treatment for Menopausal Hot Flushes
IRAS ID
184544
Contact name
Waljit Dhillo
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College
Eudract number
2015-001553-32
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Hot flushes affect 70% of menopausal women, with up to 20% of these women describing them as "intolerable". Furthermore hot flushes can last as long as 20 years, therefore having a significant and long-lasting effect on quality of life. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the mainstay of treatment but confers an increased risk of breast cancer, thromboembolic disease and cerebro- and cardiovascular disease. Hence current recommendations suggest a limited duration of therapy in all women, and contra-indication in specific groups. Other drug alternatives such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are less effective than HRT. Effective non-hormonal treatments are required.
Neurokinin B (NKB) is a recently identified hypothalamic neuropeptide that acts primarily on the NK3 receptor. Recent studies in humans, monkeys and rodents indicate that NKB signalling within the hypothalamus mediates menopausal hot flushes. Furthermore, we have recently demonstrated that administration of NKB to women elicits hot flush symptoms comparable to those experienced by post-menopasual women. The aims of this study are therefore to determine if NK3 receptor antagonism could be a novel treatment approach for menopausal hot flushes.
REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1481
Date of REC Opinion
9 Oct 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion