News: The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Suzetrigine, a new non-opioid painkiller.
About Suzetrigine
- Suzetrigine is a non-opioid painkiller developed by US-based Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
- Unlike opioids, which work in the brain, suzetrigine blocks pain signals before they reach the brain.
- It targets nociceptors (specialized nerve endings that sense pain). This prevents the brain from perceiving pain despite the presence of tissue injury.
- Since it does not stimulate opioid receptors, it does not cause euphoria or addiction.
Significance of Suzetrigine
- Non-addictive alternative to opioids, addressing the opioid crisis in the US.
- Potential to reduce opioid dependency among pain patients.
- Can help prevent opioid overdose deaths, which reached 82,000 in 2022.
- Targets post-surgical pain and other moderate-to-severe pain conditions.
About Opioids
- Definition: Opioids are drugs that either derive from or mimic substances found in the opium poppy plant.
- Common Opioids: Morphine, oxycodone, codeine, fentanyl, and heroin.
- How They Work: They bind to opioid receptors in brain cells, blocking pain signals and creating feelings of pleasure or euphoria.
- Addiction Risk: While effective for pain relief, opioids can be highly addictive, leading to dependence and misuse.
