Pradeep Chopra, MD
Summary:
- The medicine is sold as Journavx The chemical name is Suzetrigine.
- It works by blocking NaV1.8 channels. Pain is transmitted along
nerves by opening of NaV1.8 channels. Journavx blocks these
sodium channels (NaV1.8) hence blocking pain transmission - It affects only the nerves at the periphery (outside of the brain and
spinal cord) like arms, legs etc. - It does not cause addiction
- Unfortunately, Journavx is weaker than Vicodin in terms of controlling
pain. - It is more useful in acute post operative pain and not in chronic pain.
It failed treatment of low back pain.
More details:
Suzetrigine, marketed under the brand name Journavx, is a novel non-
opioid analgesic recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acute pain in
adults. Developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, suzetrigine represents the
first new class of pain medication approved in over two decades.
Mechanism of Action
Suzetrigine functions as a selective inhibitor of the NaV1.8 sodium channel,
which is predominantly expressed in peripheral pain-sensing neurons
(nociceptors). By targeting this specific channel, suzetrigine modulates pain
transmission without affecting the central nervous system, thereby reducing
the risk of addiction associated with opioid therapies.
Clinical Efficacy
The efficacy of suzetrigine was demonstrated in two randomized, double-
blind, placebo- and active-controlled trials involving patients undergoing
abdominoplasty and bunionectomy surgeries. In both studies, participants
receiving suzetrigine reported a statistically significant reduction in pain
compared to those receiving a placebo. While suzetrigine did not
outperform the opioid combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen, it
provided effective pain relief without the associated risks of opioid use.
Benefits
- Non-Opioid Alternative: Suzetrigine offers a new option for acute
pain management, addressing the need for effective treatments
without the addiction potential inherent to opioids. - Targeted Mechanism: By selectively inhibiting the NaV1.8 sodium
channel, suzetrigine specifically modulates pain signals in peripheral
neurons, potentially leading to fewer central nervous system side
effects.
Risks and Adverse Effects
In clinical trials, the most commonly reported adverse reactions among
participants treated with Suzetrigine included:
- Itching
- Muscle spasms
- Elevated blood levels of creatine phosphokinase
- Rash
Suzetrigine is contraindicated for use with strong CYP3A inhibitors, and
patients are advised to avoid consuming grapefruit products during
treatment due to potential drug interactions.
Considerations
While suzetrigine has shown promise in managing acute pain, its efficacy in
chronic pain conditions remains under investigation. A Phase 2 study
focusing on lumbosacral radiculopathy did not demonstrate a significant
benefit over placebo, highlighting the challenges in treating chronic pain
and the need for further research.
In summary, suzetrigine is not very impressive. It has a weak pain killing
strength and is effective only in acute surgical pain and not for chronic pain.
As with any medication, it is essential to weigh its benefits against potential
risks and to consider individual patient needs when determining the most
appropriate pain management strategy.
The information provided on this website is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is also not intended to serve as legal advice or replace professional legal counsel. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, there is no warranty regarding its completeness or relevance to specific medical and legal situations. As medical information continuously evolves, users should not rely solely on this information for medical or legal decisions and are encouraged to consult with their own physician or qualified attorney for any legal matters or advice.
Copyright 2025 Pradeep Chopra. All rights reserved.
