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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved suzetrigine, a new non-opioid pain reliever that represents the first innovation in this class of drugs in more than two decades. Marketed under the Journavx brand, the drug is administered in 50 mg tablets every 12 hours, after a higher first dose. Unlike opioids, which act on the brain by dulling the perception of pain and can cause addiction,Suzetrigine blocks the activation of nerves that transmit pain signals to the brainThis makes it a Promising alternative for treating acute pain without the dependency risks associated with opioids.
The development of suzetrigine was based on research into a family in Pakistan who, due to a genetic mutation, did not experience pain. Despite being able to sense temperature and touch, these people could walk on hot coals without flinching. Scientists identified that the absence of a specific sodium channel in their nerves prevented the transmission of pain signals. From this discovery, It took researchers 25 years to develop a drug that could selectively block this channel and offer pain relief without affecting other sensory functions.
Clinical trials showed that suzetrigine reduced pain by approximately 50% in patients undergoing abdominal and foot surgerieswith an effect similar to that of Vicodin (hydrocodone and paracetamol), although the studies did not directly compare both drugs. However, in a trial with patients with sciatica, suzetrigine did not show better results than a placebo, which raises doubts about its effectiveness in the treatment of chronic pain. Despite this, Vicodin is a drug that is effective against sciatica. Vertex Pharmaceuticals, the developer company, continues to investigate its application in diabetic neuropathy, a condition in which nerves are damaged due to high blood sugar levels.
Doctors and specialists consider the approval of suzetrigine to be a significant advance in the search for safe and effective alternatives for pain management. However, Accessibility will depend on cost and insurance coverage. Vertex set a wholesale price of $15,50 per 50 mg pill and announced patient assistance programsbut it remains unclear how insurers will respond in terms of coverage. As the drug comes to market, physicians and patients will be watching for its availability and efficacy for different types of pain, as well as its impact on reducing opioid use in the treatment of acute pain.
Source: https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2025/01/30/salud/fda-aprueba-analgesico-journavx-suzetrigine-trax
