Elinzanetant significantly reduces frequency and severity of moderate to severe hot flushes associated with menopause in women

Late-breaking data from pivotal Phase III studies OASIS 1 and 2 to be presented at 2024 ACOG Annual Meeting: 

  • Pivotal OASIS 1 and 2 Phase III studies of investigational compound elinzanetant achieved a statistically significant reduction in frequency and severity of vasomotor symptoms (VMS; also known as hot flushes) over 12 weeks compared to placebo
  • Consistent benefits were also seen across both studies in all three key secondary endpoints, with significant reduction in frequency of VMS at week 1, improvement in sleep disturbances and menopause related quality of life
  • The safety profile in both studies was favourable
  • These late-breaking data will be presented for the first time in a scientific symposium at the 2024 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) annual meeting

 

 

Bayer will present detailed results from the pivotal Phase III studies OASIS 1 and 2, showing that the investigational compound elinzanetant significantly reduced frequency and severity of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS; also known as hot flushes) associated with menopause in women compared to placebo. In addition, elinzanetant met its key secondary endpoints showing a statistically significant reduction in the frequency of VMS from baseline to week 1 and improved sleep disturbances and menopause related quality of life compared to placebo. These data will be presented at the 2024 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Annual Clinical & Scientific Meeting taking place from 17 – 19 May in San Francisco, CA, USA. 

 

Elinzanetant successfully met all four primary endpoints in both studies demonstrating statistically significant reductions in the frequency and severity of moderate to severe VMS associated with menopause in women from baseline to week 4 and 12 compared to placebo. Elinzanetant showed in OASIS 1 significant mean reductions versus placebo for frequency of VMS at week 4 with -3.29 (p<0.0001) and week 12 with -3.22 (p<0.0001) and for severity of VMS at week 4 with -0.33 (p<0.0001) and week 12 with -0.40 (p<0.0001). In OASIS 2, elinzanetant demonstrated significant mean reductions versus placebo for frequency in VMS at week 4 with -3.04 (p<0.0001) and at week 12 with -3.24 (p<0.0001) and for severity in VMS at week 4 with -0.22 (p=0.0003) and at week 12 with -0.29 (p<0.0001). The safety profile of elinzanetant was favourable in both studies with headache and fatigue being the most frequent treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) within the elinzanetant groups.1 

 

“There are limited approved non-hormonal treatments for bothersome menopausal symptoms in women, such as hot flushes and sleep disturbances. Consequently, many women experience discomfort for months or even years, with the majority of symptoms left untreated,” said JoAnn Pinkerton, M.D., Professor and Director of Midlife Health at UVA Health. “These results are exciting news and build on our confidence that elinzanetant may be a potential non-hormonal solution for them.” 

 

Both studies also achieved all three key secondary endpoints with a statistically significant reduction in the frequency of VMS from baseline to week 1 (p<0.0001 and p=0.0013, respectively), as well as statistically significant improvements in sleep disturbances (p<0.0001 in both studies) and menopause-related quality of life (p<0.0001 and p=0.0059, respectively) compared to placebo. 

 

“The robust efficacy and favourable safety profile of elinzanetant reinforces its potential as a non-hormonal treatment for women experiencing menopause,” said Dr. Christian Rommel, member of the Executive Committee of Bayer AG’s Pharmaceutical Division and Global Head of Research and Development. “We look forward to submitting applications to health authorities for marketing authorisations of elinzanetant to treat moderate to severe VMS associated with menopause in women, building upon our extensive legacy and commitment to women’s healthcare.” 

 

Elinzanetant is a dual neurokinin-1,3 (NK-1,3) receptor antagonist, in late-stage clinical development for the non-hormonal treatment of moderate to severe VMS associated with menopause in women, administered orally once daily.2 

 

Earlier in March 2024, Bayer announced positive topline results for the third Phase III study OASIS 3 in the OASIS clinical development programme evaluating the efficacy and long-term safety profile of the investigational compound elinzanetant versus placebo. In this study, elinzanetant successfully met the primary endpoint demonstrating a statistically significant reduction in the frequency of moderate to severe VMS associated with menopause in women from baseline to week 12 compared to placebo. The long-term safety profile observed over 52 weeks in the OASIS 3 study is overall consistent with previously conducted studies and published data2,3 on elinzanetant. These results will be presented at upcoming scientific congresses.

 

Bayer will submit the data from the OASIS 1, 2 and 3 studies to health authorities for approval of marketing authorisations of elinzanetant for the treatment of moderate to severe VMS associated with menopause in women.

Bayer media contact:

Veronica Yao, +44 (0) 7870 485 926

Email: veronica.yao@bayer.com

 

 

Notes to Editors

 

About the OASIS 1, 2 and 3 studies

OASIS 1 and 2 (NCT05042362 and NCT05099159) are double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled multicentre studies investigating the efficacy and safety profile of elinzanetant 120mg administered orally once daily in women with moderate to severe VMS associated with menopause in women.4,5 OASIS 1 and 2 randomised 396 and 400 postmenopausal women respectively between 40 and 65 years across 184 sites in 15 countries.4,5 The co-primary endpoints in the studies were mean change in frequency of moderate to severe hot flush from baseline to Week 4 and 12.4,5 OASIS 3 (NCT05030584) is a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled multicentre study to investigate the efficacy and safety profile of elinzanetant for the treatment of VMS over 52 weeks in postmenopausal women.6 OASIS 3 randomised 628 postmenopausal women between 40 and 65 years across 83 sites in 9 countries.6

 

About the OASIS Clinical Development Programme

The Phase III clinical development programme of elinzanetant, OASIS, currently comprises four Phase III studies: OASIS 1, 2, 3 and 4. The OASIS 1, 2 and 3 studies investigate the efficacy and safety profile of elinzanetant 120 mg once daily in women with moderate to severe VMS associated with menopause.4-7 The OASIS 4 study is an expansion of the clinical phase III programme and investigates the efficacy and safety profile of elinzanetant in women with moderate to severe VMS caused by endocrine therapy for treatment or prevention of breast cancer.7

 

The design and dosing of the Phase III clinical development programme is based on the positive data from two Phase II studies (RELENT-1 and SWITCH-1).2,3 RELENT-1 was a Phase Ib/IIa study investigating the safety profile, pharmacokinetics and preliminary efficacy of elinzanetant.3 SWITCH-1 was a Phase IIb study investigating the efficacy and safety profile of four different doses of elinzanetant compared to placebo in postmenopausal women with associated moderate to severe VMS.2

 

In addition to the OASIS programme, Bayer started NIRVANA (NCT06112756), an exploratory Phase II randomised, parallel-group treatment, double-blind study.8 The primary objective is to explore the efficacy of elinzanetant on sleep disturbances associated with menopause in women as determined by polysomnography (PSG).8 PSG is a validated method to study sleep and underlying causes of sleep disturbances.9 Additional objectives include exploring the efficacy of elinzanetant on SDM (sleep disturbances associated with menopause) as determined by patient-reported outcomes and further evaluating the safety profile of elinzanetant.8 

 

About Elinzanetant

Elinzanetant is a dual neurokinin-1,3 (NK-1,3) receptor antagonist, in late-stage clinical development as a non-hormonal treatment of moderate to severe VMS associated with menopause in women, administered orally once daily.2 Elinzanetant may address moderate to severe VMS by modulating a group of oestrogen sensitive neurons in the hypothalamus region of the brain (the KNDy neurons) which, with the decrease of oestrogen, become hypertrophic and lead to a hyperactivation of the thermoregulatory pathway, consequently disrupting body heat control mechanisms resulting in VMS.2 Elinzanetant is also being investigated in women with sleep disturbances associated with menopause.8

 

About Vasomotor Symptoms

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS; also referred to as hot flushes) result from hyperactivation of the thermoregulatory pathway mediated by hypertrophy of the KNDy neurons.10 This is due to a decrease of oestrogen, which can result from the progressive reduction of ovarian function due to natural menopause or medical intervention by bilateral oophorectomy or endocrine therapy.10

 

VMS are reported by up to 80% of women at some point during the menopausal transition and are one of the leading causes for seeking medical attention during this phase of a woman’s life.10 Over one-third of menopausal women report severe symptoms, which can last 10 years or more after the last menstrual period,11,12 with relevant impact on quality of life. 

 

VMS may also be caused by endocrine therapy, for the treatment or prevention of breast cancer, impacting quality of life and treatment adherence.13 For these women with VMS due to induced menopause, there are currently no licensed treatment options.

 

About Menopause

By 2030, the world population of women experiencing menopause is projected to increase to 1.2 billion, with 47 million new women entering this phase each year.14 Menopause is a transitional phase in women’s lives, related to the progressive decline of ovarian function, and which usually occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55.15 It can also be the result of surgical or medical treatment, for example breast cancer treatment.7 The hormonal decline can lead to various symptoms, which can substantially affect a woman’s health, quality of life, healthcare utilisation and work productivity.16 The most frequently reported and disruptive symptoms during the menopausal transition are VMS, sleep disturbances and mood changes.16 Addressing these symptoms is key to maintaining functional ability and quality of life in menopause, which is highly relevant from both a healthcare and socio-economic perspective.

 

About Women’s Healthcare at Bayer

Bayer is a recognised global leader in women’s health with a long-standing commitment to delivering science for a better life by advancing a portfolio of innovative treatments. Bayer offers a wide range of effective short- and long-acting birth control methods as well as therapies for menopause management and gynecological diseases. Bayer is also focusing on innovative options to address the unmet medical needs of women worldwide and to broadening treatment choices such as in menopause. Additionally, Bayer intends to provide 100 million women per year in low-and-middle income countries by 2030 with access to family planning by funding multi-stakeholder aid programs for capacity building and by ensuring the supply of affordable modern contraceptives. This is part of the comprehensive sustainability measures and commitments from 2020 onwards and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. 

 

About Bayer

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, “Health for all, Hunger for none,” the company’s products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2023, the Group employed around 100,000 people and had sales of 47.6 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 5.8 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.co.uk.

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements 

This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.co.uk. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conformthem to future events or developments. 

 

References

  1. Bayer Data on File. 

  2. Simon JA, Anderson RA, Ballantyne E, Bolognese J, Caetano C, Joffe H, Kerr M, Panay N, Seitz C, Seymore S, Trower M, Zuurman L, Pawsey S. Efficacy and safety of elinzanetant, a selective neurokinin-1,3 receptor antagonist for vasomotor symptoms: a dose-finding clinical trial (SWITCH-1). Menopause. 2023 Mar 1;30(3):239-246. 

  3. Trower M, et al. Effects of NT-814, a dual neurokinin 1 and 3 receptor antagonist, on vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women: a placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Menopause: The Journal of The North American Menopause Society. 2020; 27 (5): 498-505.

  4. A study to learn more about how well elinzanetant works and how safe it is for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) that are caused by hormonal changes over 26 weeks in women who have through the menopause (OASIS-1). ClinicalTrials.gov. Available at:  

https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05042362?term=OASIS&cond=Menopause&draw=1&rank=1. Last accessed: May 2024.

  1. A study to learn more about how well elinzanetant works and how safe it is for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) that are caused by hormonal changes over 26 weeks in women who have through the menopause (OASIS-2). ClinicalTrials.gov. Available at:  

https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05099159?term=OASIS&cond=Menopause&draw=1&rank=3. Last accessed: May 2024.

  1. A study to learn more about how well elinzanetant works and how safe it is for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) that are caused by hormonal changes over 52 weeks in women who have through the menopause (OASIS-3). ClinicalTrials.gov. Available at: 

https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05030584?term=OASIS&cond=Menopause&draw=1&rank=2. Last accessed: May 2024.

  1. A study to learn more about how well elinzanetant works and how safe it is compared to placebo for the treatment of hot flashes caused by anti-cancer therapy in women with, or at high risk for developing hormone-receptor positive breast cancer (OASIS 4). EU Clinical Trials Register. Available at: https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2022-000095-18/DE. Last accessed: May 2024.

  2. A Study to Learn About How Elinzanetant Works and How Safe it is in Women Having Sleep Disturbances Associated With Menopause (NIRVANA). ClinicalTrials.gov. Available at: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06112756. Last accessed: May 2024. 

  3. Jessica Vensel Rundo, Ralph Downey III. Chapter 25 – Polysomnography. Handbook of Clinical Neurology. Volume 160, 2019, Pages 381-392.

  4. Mittelman-Smith et al. Role for kisspeptin/neurokinin B/dynorphin (KNDy) neurons in cutaneous vasodilatation and the estrogen modulation of body temperature. PNAS. November 27, 2012, vol. 109 no. 48|19849PHYSIOLOGY. www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1211517109.

  5. Angelo SD, et al. Impact of Menopausal Symptoms on Work: Findings from Women in the Health and Employment after Fifty (HEAF) Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20, 295. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010295. 

  6. Nancy E. Avis, et al. Vasomotor Symptoms Across the Menopause Transition: Differences Among Women. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2018 December ; 45(4): 629–640. doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2018.07.005.

  7. Gucciniello L, et al. Estrogen deprivation effects of endocrine therapy in breast cancer patients: Incidence, management and outcome. Cancer Treatment Reviews 120 (2023) 102624. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102624. 

  8. Kenneth Hill. The demography of menopause. Maturitas 23 (1996) 113-127. Journal of the Climacteric & Postmenopause. SSDI 0327-5122(95)00968-R.

  9. Menopause. World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/menopause. Last accessed: May 2024.

  10. Wulf H Utian. Psychosocial and socioeconomic burden of vasomotor symptoms in menopause: A comprehensive review. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes 2005, 3:47 doi:10.1186/1477-7525-3-47

 

 

RP-ELINZA-GB-0026 / May 2024

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