Could a nerve channel blocker replace opioids? early study investigates

This study tested a drug called suzetrigine, which blocks a specific nerve channel (NaV1.8) involved in pain signaling. In 67 healthy volunteers, tiny amounts were injected into the skin alongside a placebo and lidocaine. Participants received six different types of brief pain (electrical, mechanical, chemical, heat, cold, acid) to see which ones the drug could reduce. The goal is to understand which pain types depend on NaV1.8, potentially guiding development of new, non-opioid pain treatments.