FDA Approves Journavx, First Non-Opioid Painkiller in Over 20 Years

The new drug offers an alternative to opioids for acute pain but demonstrates mixed effectiveness compared to existing treatments.

Journavx, developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, targets sodium channels in the peripheral nervous system to block pain signals before they reach the brain.
Clinical trials showed Journavx was more effective than a placebo but did not consistently outperform an opioid-acetaminophen combination for pain relief.
The drug is priced at $15.50 per pill, significantly higher than generic opioid alternatives, raising questions about accessibility and insurance coverage.
Common side effects include itching, muscle spasms, and rash, with no evidence of addiction risk, unlike opioids.
Analysts predict Journavx could generate over $1 billion in annual sales, though its adoption may depend on further research and broader insurance acceptance.