Non-hormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms - Market open to takers as tepid pipeline fails to meet demand

The treatment of menopausal symptoms is a common clinical challenge, with vasomotor symptoms affecting an estimated 75% of women aged over 50 years. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has formed the mainstay of treatment for almost 60 years and is highly efficacious. However, concerns surrounding the safety of HRT have led to an increase in demand for non-hormonal alternatives.

The key opportunity for non-hormonal treatments lies in capturing sales that have been lost by the hormonal treatments since the WHI results. Despite increased demand, the current R&D pipeline for non-hormonals is small and lacks innovation. Wyeth's Pristiq could be first to market although regulatory delays indicate possible non-approval.

Returning confidence in HRT among gynecologists and the recent upturn in sales of these therapies represents a growing barrier to entry for non-hormonal drug companies. Nevertheless, prevailing mistrust of HRT among primary care physicians (PCPs) and eligible patients represents a key market opportunity for non-hormonals.

In view of the lower efficacy of non-hormonals compared to HRT, it is expected that uptake will be strongest among patient groups for whom HRT is contraindicated, as well as highly symptomatic patients who do not wish to receive HRT due to safety concerns. Mildly symptomatic patients also represent a key target group.

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