FDA approves painkiller designed to eliminate the risks of addiction associated with opioids

U.S. officials have approved a new type of pain drug designed to eliminate the risks of addiction and overdose associated with opioids. The Food and Drug Administration approved the pill from Vertex Pharmaceuticals for acute pain that often occurs after surgery or injuries. It's the first new pharmaceutical approach to treating pain in 20 years. But the medication’s modest effectiveness shows just how challenging it is to find new ways of managing pain. Vertex's drug was better than a dummy pill at reducing pain after surgery, but it didn't outperform opioid treatment. Vertex is studying the drug for a number of other conditions, including chronic nerve pain.