Rachel Feltman: Pain is a common experience for most people at some point in their lives. In fact, a study by the National Institutes of Health found that about 21 percent of U.S. adults dealt with chronic pain in 2020. While there are many medications available to help manage pain, they often come with their own set of challenges.
Now, a pharmaceutical company is on the verge of introducing a new type of pain medication called suzetrigine. This medication works by blocking pain signals similar to opioids but without affecting the brain or spinal cord in a way that can lead to addiction.
I had the opportunity to speak with Marla Broadfoot, a freelance science journalist who covered the new drug for Scientific American, to learn more about this groundbreaking development.
Marla explained that pain is a signal from the body that something is wrong, but in cases of chronic pain, the source of the pain may not be apparent. Our bodies contain pain-sensing nerve cells that send signals to our brain and spinal cord, triggering the sensation of pain. The new drug, suzetrigine, targets sodium channels along these nerve cells to block pain signaling in the periphery without the addictive potential of opioids that target the central nervous system.
Existing pain relievers like aspirin and opioids have been derived from natural compounds and work by targeting inflammation or altering the brain’s perception of pain. However, they come with their own set of limitations and risks, such as addiction.
Suzetrigine, if approved by the FDA, could potentially bridge the gap between safer over-the-counter medications and more potent but riskier opioids. The drug has shown promising results in clinical trials for acute pain, with plans to investigate its effectiveness for chronic pain in future studies.
Developing new pain medications has been challenging due to the subjective nature of pain assessment, the high safety standards required, and the need for effectiveness comparable to opioids. However, suzetrigine offers a new approach to pain management that could address these challenges.
The FDA has granted priority review for suzetrigine, with a decision expected by January 2025. While initial trials focused on acute pain, further studies will explore its application for chronic pain, addressing a significant unmet need for the millions of individuals living with persistent pain.
The introduction of suzetrigine represents a significant advancement in pain management and offers hope for a new class of pain medications that are effective and safe. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking development in the world of pain relief.