Revolution in painkillers
Pharma shares soar after FDA approval!
According to Vertex, this is the first new class of painkillers in over 20 years. The drug, Suzetrigine, sold under the name Journavx, is used to treat moderate to severe acute pain and costs $15.50 per 50-milligram pill.
It is taken orally twice a day. While opioids block the pain signals in the brain, Journavx acts on the nerves before the signals reach the brain. This significantly reduces the risk of addiction.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that Journavx showed "statistically significant, superior pain reduction" over placebos in two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. These studies investigated postoperative pain after abdominoplasty and bunion surgery. Participants with inadequate pain control were also allowed to take ibuprofen.
Vertex is also evaluating the use of Suzetrigine for peripheral neuropathic pain. Analysts had expected a higher price for the drug, which is being discussed in specialist circles.
Olivia Brayer from Cantor had expected a price of 60 to 80 US dollars, but pointed out that acute pain often only requires a 14-day treatment. "Discounts for chronic pain could be much higher as there could be issues with potential access."
Evercore analysts Liisa Bayko and Saima Machlovi had expected a price of $20 to $30 per day. They see Journavx primarily as a solution for patients with addictions and obesity, as respiratory depression is a risk for them. However, the delayed onset of action of two to four hours is viewed critically. "One solution would be premedication before the operation."
According to Vertex, the drug could become a blockbuster with annual sales of over one billion US dollars. The FDA sees the approval as an important step towards providing safer alternatives to opioids.
The drug proved effective in trials, but failed to meet the secondary objective of demonstrating superior efficacy over the opioid combination hydrocodone/paracetamol.
In a separate Phase III study, more than 83 percent of patients reported that Journavx was good, very good or excellent for pain relief. In the future, an extension of the approval for chronic pain could further increase the potential of Journavx.
Author: Gina Moesing, wallstreetONLINE Editorial team
The Vertex Pharmaceuticals share is trading up +8.83% at a price of 458.5EUR on Tradegate (January 31, 2025, 12:03 pm) at the time of publication of the news.
