New Non-Opioid Painkiller Faces Access Hurdles

A novel non-opioid medication for severe acute pain, approved by the FDA, offers a promising alternative for patients concerned about opioid addiction; however, its high cost and limited insurance coverage pose significant barriers to access.

The Promise of a Non-Addictive Option

After battling degenerative spine disease for two decades, **Jerry Abrams**, a former marathon runner, faces constant pain. He expressed concern about the potential for addiction and tolerance associated with opioid use.

The FDA recently approved JOURNAVX, a non-opioid drug designed to treat severe acute pain by directly blocking pain signals.

Insurance Coverage Lags

**Dr. Jessica Burgess**, a surgeon at Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, noted initial enthusiasm among surgeons, but access has been limited. “I think, overall, surgeons were very excited about the option to have a non-opioid pain medicine for our patients. Unfortunately, I have yet to meet a surgeon that’s been able to prescribe it.”

While coverage has improved in Massachusetts, elsewhere, access remains spotty. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, in 2023, only 17% of non-elderly adults had difficulty affording prescription drugs (KFF).

Costly Alternative

The price difference between opioids and JOURNAVX is substantial. While opioids can cost just pennies per pill, JOURNAVX is priced around $15 per pill. Even with insurance, the cost can be prohibitive, as **Dr. Antje Barreveld**, president of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, experienced firsthand when a family member’s oxycodone prescription cost 50 cents, while JOURNAVX required a $30 copay.

**Jayne Hornung**, chief clinical officer at MMIT, a health care analytics firm, stated that about 38% of people have coverage for JOURNAVX. She explained that insurance companies typically only cover the drug for 14 days, which is the duration it was studied.

**Abrams** received a coupon from Vertex Pharmaceuticals to cover a few months of JOURNAVX. Though it didn’t eliminate the main pain in his spine, he reported relief from shoulder and mid-back pain. “I also find it really interesting that it has had positive effects on the secondary pain from my back issues.” His doctor is exploring ways to continue his access to the medication. Clinical trials are underway exploring the effectiveness of JOURNAVX for chronic pain, which could expand FDA approvals.