The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Journavx (suzetrigine), a non-opioid oral pill for treating acute pain, such as after surgery or injury. Unlike opioids, suzetrigine targets peripheral nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, rather than receptors on nerve cells in the central nervous system.
This mechanism of action offers a safer alternative to opioids, which are highly addictive. To test its safety and effectiveness, the FDA relied on data from two clinical trials involving patients recovering from abdominal surgery or bunion removal. Results showed that suzetrigine significantly reduced pain and was safe for use. With this approval, Journavx becomes the first new non-opioid pain medication to be approved by the FDA in over 20 years.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/health/2025/01/fda-approves-first-non-opioid-pain-medicine-in-more-than-20-years