FDA Approves a New Painkiller After 25 Years: Suzetrigine Offers an Alternative to Opioids

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved suzetrigine, marketed as Journavx, marking the first new-class painkiller in over 25 years. This breakthrough provides a non-opioid alternative for treating moderate to severe acute pain in adults.

How Suzetrigine Works

Suzetrigine blocks the NaV1.8 sodium channel, which is crucial in transmitting pain signals from peripheral nerves to the brain. By inhibiting this channel, the drug prevents pain signals from reaching the brain, providing relief without the euphoric effects associated with opioids, thus reducing the risk of addiction.

Inspired by a Family That Felt No Pain

The development of suzetrigine was inspired by a rare medical case—a Pakistani family whose members could walk on hot coals without feeling pain. Researchers discovered that this family lacked a gene necessary for activating pain signals in the skin. This finding led scientists to identify the NaV1.8 channel as a therapeutic target for pain management. 

Clinical Trials and Effectiveness

Clinical trials have demonstrated suzetrigine’s effectiveness in reducing postoperative pain. Studies conducted on patients undergoing procedures such as abdominoplasty and bunionectomy found that those treated with suzetrigine reported significantly lower pain levels compared to those who received a placebo. The most common side effects observed were mild, including headaches and constipation. 

A New Alternative Amid the U.S. Opioid Crisis

The FDA approval of suzetrigine comes at a crucial time, given the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 80,000 opioid-related deaths were reported in 2021. The introduction of non-opioid painkillers like suzetrigine offers a promising alternative for pain management without the addiction risks linked to opioids. 

Not a Universal Solution for All Pain Conditions

Despite its potential benefits, suzetrigine may not be effective for all types of pain. For instance, in studies on chronic pain conditions such as sciatica, the drug did not outperform a placebo. Ongoing research is assessing its efficacy in other chronic pain conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy. 

Conclusion

The approval of suzetrigine marks a significant breakthrough in acute pain treatment, offering a non-opioid alternative that could help reduce the risks associated with traditional painkillers. As further studies are conducted, the drug’s applications may expand, providing safer and more effective pain relief options for patients.

Fuente: CNN Español, Pharmacy Times