Despite high demand for an option like Journavx, doctors fear the drug’s price could be a major hangup for insurers, potentially limiting patients’ ability to access it.

This milestone marks a breakthrough after unsuccessful attempts to develop painkillers without the addictive potential of opioids.

The FDA approved Vertex Pharmaceuticals' Journavx, a new non-opioid pain pill for short-term pain. While safer than opioids, studies show it's only modestly effective compared to opioid-acetaminophen combinations.