In the United States, Journavx (suzetrigine) has been approved for the first time—an opioid-free drug for the treatment of acute postoperative pain. The medicine was developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, which spent more than 25 years creating an alternative to opioids without dependence and severe side effects.
Journavx blocks pain signals at the level of peripheral neurons, rather than in the brain as with classical painkillers. It selectively acts on the ion channel NaV1.8, excluding euphoria and habituation. Its effectiveness was demonstrated in clinical trials in 2022 and 2024. While Journavx did not surpass opioids in strength of action, it became the first safe step in a new direction. Vertex has also begun trials of the drug for chronic pain.
This event is not just the appearance of a new medication, but a shift in the approach to pain. If before there was a choice between pain and dependence, now a third, safer path becomes possible.
