FDA approves non-opioid painkiller Journavx for acute pain

The FDA has approved Journavx (suzetrigine), the first new non-opioid pain medication in over 20 years, designed to treat moderate to severe acute pain in adults. Developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Journavx provides a safer alternative to opioids by targeting sodium channels in the peripheral nervous system, effectively blocking pain signals. This approval aligns with the FDA's efforts to mitigate opioid-related risks and offers a potential solution for the over 80 million Americans suffering from acute pain annually. Clinical trials demonstrated a significant reduction in pain for patients using Journavx compared to placebo, with fewer side effects than traditional opioids. Vertex has set the wholesale price of the medication at $15.50 per 50-milligram pill and plans to launch it soon, with projections estimating substantial sales growth. The approval is seen as a significant milestone in pain management, especially amidst the ongoing opioid crisis.