How Do NaV Inhibitors Work?

NaV inhibitors are a new class of non-opioid pain-relief medications used to treat acute pain such as postsurgical pain. NaV inhibitors work by blocking the transmission of pain signals to the spine and brain. Currently, the first and only drug in this class is suzetrigine (Journavx) approved by the FDA on January 30, 2025.

Voltage-gated sodium channels are proteins in the membranes of nerve cells (neurons) that allow the passage of sodium ions into the neurons. In the sensory neurons, the sodium channels transmit the signals of various sensations, including pain, from the peripheral neurons to the spine and brain.

NaV inhibitors selectively block the NaV1.8 voltage gated sodium channels which are found in the peripheral sensory neurons and the dorsal root ganglion, also known as spinal ganglion, a collection of sensory neurons in the spine. This stops the transmission of pain signals from the peripheral regions to the spine and brain, preventing the perception or feeling of pain by the brain.

NaV inhibitors are used as oral tablets to treat moderate to severe acute pain in adults. NaV inhibitors are used only for the shortest possible duration for pain relief, such as immediately after surgical procedures, because its safety has been studied only for 14 days of use.

Common side effects of NaV inhibitors include the following:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Itching (pruritus)
• Muscle spasms
• Rash
• Increase in blood creatine phosphokinase
• Decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)

Less common side effects of NaV inhibitors include the following:

• Postprocedural hematoma
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Fainting (syncope)
• Drowsiness (somnolence)
• Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)

Information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of FDA-approved NaV inhibitors include:

• Journavx
• suzetrigine