FDA approves non-opioid pain medication as new alternative for pain relief

FDA approves suzetrigine, a non-opioid pain medication, as a safer alternative to opioids

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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new pain medication, suzetrigine, marking the first new type of pain reliever to be approved in over 20 years.

The drug, sold under the brand name Journavx, is a 50-milligram prescription pill taken every 12 hours after an initial larger dose.

This approval introduces a non-opioid analgesic option, offering a potential alternative to opioids, which are often associated with addiction and dependence.

Dr. Jacqueline Corrigan-Curay, acting director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, emphasized the importance of suzetrigine as a new pain management option.

Suzetrigine works by blocking pain-signaling nerves around the body, preventing them from sending pain signals to the brain, unlike opioids, which affect the brain's perception of pain. This method aims to eliminate the risks linked to opioid use, such as euphoria and addiction.

The development of suzetrigine was inspired by a family in Pakistan with a rare genetic mutation that prevents pain signals from firing, allowing them to walk on hot coals without pain.

Researchers focused on the molecular mechanisms behind this phenomenon, leading to the creation of suzetrigine.

The drug works by blocking a specific sodium channel responsible for conducting pain signals.

In clinical trials, suzetrigine demonstrated effectiveness in managing pain after abdominal and foot surgeries, reducing pain by an average of 3.5 points on a scale of 0 to 10. However, its efficacy in treating chronic pain, such as sciatica, remains uncertain, as studies showed limited results compared to placebos.

Despite this, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, the drug’s developer, continues to explore its use for chronic pain conditions like diabetic neuropathy.

Suzetrigine is now available at a wholesale cost of $15.50 per pill, with patient assistance programs to aid accessibility.

The approval of suzetrigine is seen as a significant step forward in pain management, providing both physicians and patients with a new, potentially safer alternative to opioids.

However, its success in the market will depend on insurance coverage and patient access.