Menopause

Hot flashes and night sweats are common symptoms of menopause, with up to 85% of women experiencing them during the menopause transition, for a median duration of four years. In 2008, more than 11.5 million women in the United States were in the 45- to 49-year age range to enter menopause. In addition, most women receiving systemic therapy for breast cancer suffer hot flashes, often with more severe or prolonged symptoms than women experiencing menopause. These symptoms can disrupt sleep and interfere with quality of life. An estimated two million women undergo menopause every year in the United States, with a total population of 50 million postmenopausal women.

Historically, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogen and/or progesterone has been the standard of care for relieving menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. However data from the Women's Health Initiative, identified increased risks for malignancy and cardiovascular disease associated with estrogen therapy. Due to concerns about the potential long-term risks and contraindications associated with HRT, Radius believes that there is a significant need for new therapeutic options to treat these menopausal symptoms.