A new type of non-addictive painkiller
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The FDA has recently approved Journavx, a non-opioid painkiller formulated to manage moderate-to-severe acute pain in adults, typically arising from trauma or surgery and expected to resolve within three months. While not suitable for chronic pain management, Journavx has demonstrated effectiveness in clinical trials for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which leads to numbness in the extremities. In addition to being nonaddictive, Journavx does not cause nausea or drowsiness, which are common side effects of opioid medications. This makes it a safer alternative amidst the opioid epidemic, offering an effective solution for short-term pain management without the risks of dependency.
Source
Osteen, J.D., Immani, S., Tapley, T.L. et al. Pharmacology and Mechanism of Action of Suzetrigine, a Potent and Selective NaV1.8 Pain Signal Inhibitor for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Pain. Pain Ther (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40122-024-00697-0
Additional Reading
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/01/30/fda-journavx-non-opioid-painkiller/