A revolution in pain management has arrived. The FDA's approval of Suzetrigine in January 2025 introduces the first non-opioid analgesic for moderate to severe pain in over twenty years. This breakthrough medication targets the voltage-gated sodium channel, NAV1.8, effectively blocking pain signals at their source before they reach the brain.
What makes Suzetrigine remarkable is its precision. With over 30,000-fold selectivity for NAV1.8 channels, it delivers powerful analgesia without affecting the brain or heart, eliminating addiction risk, and minimizing side effects. Clinical trials involving over 2,100 patients demonstrated pain relief comparable to opioid-acetaminophen combinations but with a safety profile similar to placebo. For the more than 50% of surgical patients who experience moderate to severe postoperative pain, this non-addictive alternative represents a genuine breakthrough. Looking ahead, an exciting pipeline of additional NAV1.8 channel blockers, including intravenous formulations, promises to further transform perioperative pain management.
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For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/265-the-breakthrough-drug-changing-perioperative-pain-management/
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