The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Journavx, a new non-opioid painkiller for short-term pain relief in adults.
Developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, the drug — also known as suzetrigine — blocks pain signals before they reach the brain, offering an alternative to opioid medications.
Vertex says Journavx provides effective relief for moderate to severe pain without the risk of addiction linked to opioids. The FDA described its approval as "an important public health milestone" after clinical trials showed the drug reduced post-surgical pain.
The US has faced an opioid crisis for years, with 82,000 overdose deaths in 2022. Vertex estimates nearly 10% of patients initially prescribed opioids for acute pain develop prolonged use. Journavx is priced at $15.50 per capsule.