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FDA Approves Journavx: A Non-Opioid Painkiller for Acute Pain

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Painkiller 2.0

Non-addictive pain medication has arrived. The FDA approved Journavx, Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ non-opioid painkiller.

  • Pronounced: jour-nav-x

  • Blocks NaV1.8 sodium channel

  • Stops pain signals at the PNS (peripheral nervous system)

By combating pain through the PNS, Journavx avoids reward/pleasure areas of the central nervous system targeted by opioids. Current approval covers short-term moderate-to-severe pain and ongoing trials are testing for expanded applications.

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