The FDA approved Journavx (suzetrigine) on January 30, 2025, as a first-in-class, non-addictive, oral medication for treating moderate-to-severe acute pain in adults. Developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, this drug acts on the peripheral nervous system rather than the brain, blocking sodium channels (NaV1.8) to prevent pain signals.
It is expected to be available soon, though it is more expensive than conventional generic opioids, with a reported list price of roughly $15.50 per pill, or $420 for a two-week course.
Note that the approval is for acute pain, not chronic pain. A couple of weeks of cheap opioids shouldn’t be addictive.
The cost is less of a factor if the patient is hospitalized because the cost of the drug will be rolled into the hospital bill. The cost would be more of a factor if ordered as an outpatient.
A drug that acts on the peripheral nerves rather than the brain could be a real game-changer. It could turn out to be a blockbuster. Or not. Or maybe it’s already priced in. There are plenty of opinions out there.
Wendy