Last reviewed · How we verify
Journavx (SUZETRIGINE)
Journavx blocks sodium channels in the nervous system to reduce pain signal transmission.
Journavx (suzetrigine) is a small molecule sodium channel blocker developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. It is approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe acute pain and postoperative pain. Journavx works by blocking sodium channels in the nervous system, which helps to reduce the transmission of pain signals to the brain. It is a patented medication with no generic manufacturers available. As a relatively new medication, key safety considerations include its potential effects on the cardiovascular system and the need for further long-term studies.
At a glance
| Generic name | SUZETRIGINE |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Vertex Pharms Inc |
| Drug class | Sodium Channel Blocker [EPC] |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Metabolic |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 2025 |
Mechanism of action
Suzetrigine is a selective blocker of the Na V 1.8 voltage-gated sodium channel, compared to other known voltage-gated sodium channels (Na V 1.1 through 1.9). Na V 1.8 is expressed in peripheral sensory neurons including dorsal root ganglion neurons, where its role is to transmit pain signals (action potentials). By selectively inhibiting Na V 1.8 channels, suzetrigine inhibits transmission of pain signals to the spinal cord and brain. M6-SUZ, a major active metabolite, is a less potent inhibitor of Na V 1.8 than suzetrigine by 3.7-fold.
Approved indications
- moderate to severe acute pain
- postoperative pain
Common side effects
- Decreased Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate
- Hypotension
- Postprocedural hematoma
- Syncope
- Migraine
- Intra-abdominal hematoma
- Nausea
- Pyrexia
- Tachycardia
- Arrhythmia
- Somnolence
- Rash
Drug interactions
- Grapefruit
- Strong CYP3A inhibitors
- Moderate CYP3A inhibitors
- Strong CYP3A inducers
- Moderate CYP3A inducers
- Sensitive CYP3A substrates
- Hormonal contraceptives (progestins other than levonorgestrel and norethindrone)
Key clinical trials
- Suzetrigine for Non-Mastectomy Breast Surgery (PHASE4)
- Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Suzetrigine (SUZ) for Pain Associated With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (PHASE3)
- Evaluation of the Excretion of Suzetrigine Into Breast Milk in Healthy Lactating Female Participants (PHASE1)
- Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Suzetrigine for Pain Associated With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (PHASE3)
- Evaluation of the Long-term Safety and Effectiveness of Suzetrigine (SUZ) in Participants With Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) (PHASE3)
- Suzetrigine in Total Hip Arthroplasty (PHASE3)
- Evaluating Suzetrigine for Pain Control Following TKA (PHASE3)
- Suzetrigine Versus Usual-care Opioids for Postop Pain in Sports (PHASE4)
Patents
| Patent | Expiry | Type |
|---|---|---|
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
| FDA Orange Book | Patents + exclusivity |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Journavx CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Journavx updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Vertex Pharms Inc portfolio CI