What is Jornavix (Suzetrigine)?
Jornavix (suzetrigine) is the first FDA-approved non-opioid analgesic in over 20 years, indicated specifically for moderate to severe acute pain in adults. 1
Mechanism of Action
Suzetrigine is a highly selective inhibitor of the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.8, which is expressed exclusively in peripheral pain-sensing neurons but not in the brain. 1 By blocking NaV1.8 channels along peripheral pain fibers, suzetrigine prevents transmission of pain signals by inhibiting the normal action potential without central nervous system effects. 1
Clinical Use and Indications
- FDA approval (January 30,2025) is limited to treatment of moderate to severe acute pain in adults. 1
- Suzetrigine represents a first-in-class therapeutic option as a NaV inhibitor, offering an alternative to opioids for acute pain management. 1
- Current evidence supports its use perioperatively for minimally to moderately painful ambulatory procedures. 2
Efficacy Considerations
- Suzetrigine appears less potent than hydrocodone-acetaminophen for acute pain control in the perioperative setting. 2
- Its effectiveness in treating more severe postoperative pain remains unclear and requires further investigation. 2
- All current studies are limited to short treatment durations (acute pain only), and long-term efficacy, safety, and addiction potential for chronic pain management have not been established. 2
Key Clinical Advantages
- No central nervous system expression of the target NaV1.8 channel theoretically reduces risks of cognitive impairment, respiratory depression, and addiction potential compared to opioids. 1
- Provides a non-opioid option in the context of the ongoing opioid epidemic, addressing the critical need for analgesics with reduced misuse and dependence risk. 2