# Suzetrigine (Journavx) Enters Widespread Clinical Practice in 2026 as First Non-Opioid NaV1.8 Inhibitor for Acute Pain

> news · REPORTED · 2026-08-01

In 2026, suzetrigine (Journavx), the first-in-class non-opioid NaV1.8 sodium channel inhibitor, has moved from its January 2025 FDA approval into broader real-world clinical use, with new studies underway evaluating its role in post-surgical pain after total knee and hip arthroplasty as an opioid-sparing option.

About Vertex Pharmaceuticals: Vertex Pharmaceuticals developed suzetrigine (Journavx), a selective NaV1.8 sodium channel inhibitor approved by the FDA in January 2025 as the first new non-opioid mechanism for moderate-to-severe acute pain management.

- Company: Vertex Pharmaceuticals
- Sector: therapeutics
- Primary source: https://www.painweek.org/media/news/pain-management-fda-updates-emerging-treatments

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Source: MedFuel Intel news monitor. Verification tier: REPORTED. Informational only, not investment advice. Corrections: media@medfuelinc.com.