By Chloe Ramirez, Senior Correspondent
Bayer has unveiled significant advancements in women’s health treatments at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago, emphasizing its commitment to addressing unmet medical needs in this domain. The company presented new data from its oncology and women’s health portfolios, highlighting innovative therapies aimed at improving patient outcomes.
Elinzanetant: A Non-Hormonal Solution for Menopausal Symptoms
A focal point of Bayer’s presentation was elinzanetant, an investigational non-hormonal therapy designed to alleviate moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS), commonly known as hot flashes, in women undergoing menopause or adjuvant endocrine therapy for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
The Phase III OASIS 4 trial demonstrated that elinzanetant met all primary and secondary endpoints, showing a statistically significant reduction in the frequency and severity of VMS compared to placebo. Additionally, patients reported improvements in sleep disturbances and overall quality of life. The safety profile over 52 weeks was consistent with previous studies, indicating its potential as a well-tolerated treatment option.
Dr. Fatima Cardoso, Principal Investigator of OASIS 4, stated, “The positive results from OASIS 4 bring us one step closer to a much-needed non-hormonal option for managing VMS in breast cancer patients and women at risk of breast cancer.”
Addressing the Menopause Experience
Complementing its clinical research, Bayer commissioned two surveys to explore the menopause experience among U.S. women and healthcare providers. Findings revealed that many women experience persistent symptoms for years after menopause, yet there remains a gap in individualized care and education.
Dr. Angie Lee, Executive Medical Director at Bayer Women’s Healthcare, emphasized the importance of proactive provider education and public information to better prepare women for menopause, stating, “We should aspire to place menopause education and awareness as part of the core talk track in women’s health.”
The surveys highlighted the diversity of menopause symptom experiences and the variety of care approaches. Many women reported a lack of open dialogue with their healthcare providers, underlining the need for a more inclusive and supportive healthcare environment. Bayer’s findings suggest that enhancing communication and awareness can lead to better management strategies and improved patient satisfaction.
Advancements in Oncology Treatments
Beyond women’s health, Bayer presented data from its oncology portfolio, including:
- NUBEQA® (darolutamide): Post hoc analyses from the Phase III ARANOTE trial evaluated health-related quality of life outcomes when combined with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer patients.
- XOFIGO® (radium-223 dichloride): Data from the Phase III PEACE III study assessed its efficacy in treating bone metastases in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
- Sevabertinib (BAY 2927088): Safety and efficacy results were showcased for this investigational compound in patients with advanced HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
These presentations underscore Bayer’s dedication to advancing treatments across various stages of cancer, aiming to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Implications for Women’s Health
The introduction of elinzanetant represents a significant step forward in women’s health, offering a non-hormonal treatment option for VMS, particularly beneficial for women who cannot undergo hormone replacement therapy. As Bayer prepares for regulatory filings, this therapy holds promise for enhancing the quality of life for millions of women experiencing menopausal symptoms.
Furthermore, the insights from Bayer’s surveys highlight the need for increased awareness and individualized care approaches in managing menopause, suggesting a broader impact on healthcare practices and patient education.
Bayer’s comprehensive approach, combining pharmaceutical innovation with real-world insights, reflects its commitment to supporting women through various life stages with effective and compassionate healthcare solutions.
Conclusion
Bayer’s presentations at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting reflect its ongoing commitment to addressing critical needs in women’s health and oncology. Through innovative therapies like elinzanetant and continued research in cancer treatments, Bayer aims to improve patient outcomes and quality of life, reinforcing its role as a leader in healthcare advancements.
