From NBC Universal:

Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ experimental painkiller, VX-548, has shown positive results in late-stage trials. Although it didn’t perform better than opioids, it significantly decreased post-surgery pain, bringing the biotech company closer to providing non-addictive pain relief. The drug is targeted for FDA approval for moderate-to-severe acute pain treatment, with Wall Street analysts estimating its annual sales to exceed $1 billion. The company’s stock rose following the news, reaching a market value of about $115 billion.

VX-548 aims to tackle the opioid epidemic in the U.S. by providing strong pain relief without addictive potential. The drug targets acute pain, which affects around 80 million patients annually. Vertex plans to file for FDA approval by the middle of this year, with a CEO expressing confidence in the drug’s efficacy and safety. However, the painkiller did not fare better than opioids in the late-stage trials, although overall results were seen as positive by analysts.

Vertex’s painkiller has demonstrated efficacy in reducing pain intensity in patients who underwent abdominoplasties and bunion surgeries. While the drug failed to meet secondary goals of reducing pain compared to opioids, trial results are deemed positive overall. The drug was also found to be safe and well-tolerated, with common side effects including nausea and constipation. The late-stage trial results are seen as a step forward in tackling the opioid crisis and providing effective non-addictive pain relief.



Read more: Vertex non-opioid painkiller shows positive late-stage trial results