FDA approves Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ new non-opioid painkiller
New England Council member, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, announced that Journavx, a non-opioid painkiller, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The biotech company has invested in developing a non-opioid pain medicine for over 20 years, aiming to address the nation’s opioid crisis and offer a pain relief option without the risk of addiction.
The FDA approved the pill to treat adults with moderate-to-severe acute pain. It works by blocking pain signals only found in the peripheral pain-sensing neurons, not in the brain, thus providing effective pain relief without the addictive potential of opioids. As this is a prescription medicine, patients should always go to their healthcare provider for medical advice about treatments first. Vertex has established patient support programs to help ensure that patients can access information and consultation about Journavx.
“Today’s approval is a historic milestone for the 80 million people in America who are prescribed a medicine for moderate-to-severe acute pain each year,” said Reshma Kewalramani, M.D., Chief Executive Officer and President of Vertex. “With the approval of Journavx, . . . we have the opportunity to change the paradigm of acute pain management and establish a new standard of care.”
The New England Council commends Vertex Pharmaceuticals for this important milestone for public health.
Read more via the Boston Globe and Vertex Press.