From the FDA Drug Label
The active ingredient in JOURNAVX (suzetrigine) tablets is suzetrigine, a sodium channel blocker, which has the following chemical name: 4-[(2R,3S,4S,5R)-3-(3,4-difluoro-2-methoxyphenyl)-4,5-dimethyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)oxolane-2-amido]pyridine-2-carboxamide. Suzetrigine is a selective blocker of the NaV1.8 voltage-gated sodium channel, compared to other known voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV1.1 through 1.9).
Suzetrigine is a sodium channel blocker and an anticonvulsant medication that works by selectively inhibiting NaV1.8 channels, which are expressed in peripheral sensory neurons, including dorsal root ganglion neurons, where its role is to transmit pain signals. 1
From the Research
Suzetrigine is an investigational anticonvulsant medication being developed for the treatment of epilepsy and neuropathic pain, with a mechanism of action involving the blockade of voltage-gated sodium channels, specifically targeting the Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 channels. The development of suzetrigine is part of a broader effort to create more selective and effective antiseizure medications, as highlighted by the International League Against Epilepsy's position on terminology for medications used in the treatment of seizure disorders 2. Key aspects of suzetrigine include its potential for fewer side effects compared to older anticonvulsants and its focus on targeting specific sodium channels involved in pain signaling and seizure generation. However, as it is still in clinical trials, patients interested in suzetrigine should discuss potential enrollment in clinical trials with their neurologist, as there are no established dosing regimens or treatment protocols available for clinical practice yet 2. The full safety profile, efficacy, and optimal dosing strategies of suzetrigine are still under investigation, reflecting the ongoing research and development in the field of antiseizure medications, as discussed in recent studies on the safety and efficacy of other anticonvulsants like levetiracetam 3. Given the lack of direct information on suzetrigine in the provided evidence, the most recent and relevant guidance comes from the 2024 ILAE position paper on terminology for seizure disorder medications 2, which emphasizes the importance of accurate terminology in describing the effects of these medications. In the context of real-life clinical medicine, prioritizing patient safety and the potential benefits of new investigational medications like suzetrigine is crucial, especially when considering enrollment in clinical trials or discussing treatment options with a neurologist.