Suzetrigine as a revolution in opioid-free pain relief: a review study

Abstract

The opioid epidemic, claiming over 80,000 lives in the United States in 2022, has intensified the demand for non-opioid analgesics capable of managing moderate-to-severe acute pain without the risks of addiction or overdose. Suzetrigine, a selective NaV1.8 inhibitor approved by the FDA on January 30, 2025, offers a groundbreaking alternative. This review provides an exhaustive analysis of suzetrigine’s pharmacology, clinical efficacy across diverse pain models, dosing strategies, metabolism, safety profile, and its comparative advantages over traditional opioid therapies. We will explore suzetrigine’s integration into perioperative care and its potential to mitigate the opioid crisis.

Keywords: Suzitrigine; Opioid Free Analgesia; Opioid epidemic; NaV1.8 Inhibitor; Analgesia; Acute Pain

Citation: Nawaz S, Ahmad K, Khamash O, Khan E,  Alhammad MF, Iqbal MJ, Mendonca R. Suzetrigine as a revolution in opioid-free pain relief: a review study. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2025;30(1):108-113. DOI: 10.35975/apic.v30i1.3090

Received: July 09, 2025; Revised: November 08, 2025; Accepted: November 10, 2025