The latest development: The FDA approved Journavx last Thursday, marking the first non-opioid painkiller to receive approval in over 20 years. This twice-daily prescription pill works by intercepting pain signals before they reach the brain, setting it apart from opioids. Clinical trials involving 870 patients have demonstrated its efficacy.
Implications: Priced at $15.50 per pill, Journavx provides a non-addictive option for the 80 million Americans who are prescribed pain medication each year. Despite being more costly than generic opioids priced at $1 per pill, Journavx eliminates the risk of addiction in the management of acute pain.