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