Could We End the Opioid Epidemic With This Pill?

Following the tragic death of Hayden Panettiere from a lethal mix of fentanyl and other prescriptions, new focus is turning to the root causes of America's addiction crisis and how routine post-surgery prescriptions can start that dangerous cycle. We examine Journavx, the first new class of non-opioid pain medication approved by the FDA in 20 years. 
00:00 — Introduction: The genetic discovery of feeling no pain
01:14 — The addiction crisis & the need for surgical alternatives
02:14 — How sodium channels block pain before reaching the brain
03:45 — Patient Story: Laura Ziesel on surgery recovery without opioids
07:31 — Dr. Kevin Walker: Opioid comparison & non-addictive science
09:12 — The cost barrier: Retail price vs. manufacturer copay cards
10:45 — The chronic pain question: Neuropathy vs. sciatica trials
12:20 — Takeaways for upcoming surgeries & final thoughts 

Cambridge study news release
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/12/061213175229.htm
Cambridge study in Nature
https://www.nature.com/articles/nature05413
Price of Journavx
https://news.vrtx.com/news-releases/news-release-details/vertex-announces-fda-approval-journavxtm-suzetrigine-first-class
Price of opioids
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/new-non-opioid-pain-pill

The Wellness Files is a health-focused podcast where we explore practical tools, research and real patient stories. We hope to inform, inspire, and connect to audiences so you can be the best version of yourself, while also asking tough questions about safety and effectiveness.