The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ non-opioid painkiller pill, Journavx, a new alternative for pain relief that comes without the risk of addiction. This milestone comes after a long history of mostly unsuccessful efforts to develop painkillers without the destructive dependency of cheap and widely available opioids, which have caused a horrific epidemic of abuse and overdose in the U.S.

A New Standard of Care

Vertex’s drug is specifically approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acute pain, which is usually caused by injury, surgery, illness, trauma, or painful medical procedures and likely eases with time. Around 80 million patients are prescribed a medicine for their moderate-to-severe acute pain every year in the U.S.

“We have the opportunity to change the paradigm of acute pain management and establish a new standard of care,” said Dr. Reshma Kewalramani, Vertex CEO.

How Journavx Works

Journavx works by blocking pain signals at their origin before they reach the brain. This is different from opioids, which act directly on the brain to block pain, triggering the brain’s rewards centers in a way that can feed addiction.

Efficacy and Safety

The painkiller was more effective than placebo at reducing the intensity of pain after 48 hours in two late-stage studies on more than 1,000 patients who had abdominoplasties (tummy tucks) and roughly another 1,000 in people who had bunion surgery. In both trials, rates of adverse side effects were lower in those who received Journavx compared to people who took a placebo. The most commonly reported adverse events among people who received Journavx were itching, muscle spasms, and rash, among others, according to the FDA.

Potential Market Opportunity

Vertex’s painkiller produced positive results in a mid-stage trial in diabetes patients suffering from a chronic nerve condition. The bigger opportunity for Vertex may be to win FDA approval in chronic pain, an area where the risk of addiction to prescription opioids can be greater, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Conclusion

The approval of Journavx marks a significant milestone in the development of non-opioid painkillers. With its unique mechanism of action, Journavx has the potential to change the way we approach acute pain management. As the company moves forward with plans to bring this innovative treatment to patients, it is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of millions of people around the world.

FAQs

Q: What is Journavx and how does it work?
A: Journavx is a non-opioid painkiller that works by blocking pain signals at their origin before they reach the brain.

Q: What is the typical use of Journavx?
A: Journavx is approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acute pain, which is usually caused by injury, surgery, illness, trauma, or painful medical procedures and likely eases with time.

Q: How effective is Journavx?
A: In two late-stage studies, Journavx was more effective than placebo at reducing the intensity of pain after 48 hours in patients who had abdominoplasties and bunion surgery.

As the global economy continues to evolve, workplace unionization trends are shifting towards a more collective approach to employee-employer relations. In recent years, we’ve seen a resurgence of interest in unionization, with workers from various industries and sectors demanding better wages, benefits, and job security. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of collective bargaining and how it’s boosting wages, benefits, and job security for workers.

The Power of Collective Bargaining

Collective bargaining is the process of negotiating the terms and conditions of employment between an employer and a group of employees, typically represented by a labor union. This process allows workers to come together and advocate for their rights and interests, rather than relying on individual negotiations with their employer. By pooling their resources and expertise, workers can achieve better outcomes than they would on their own.

Boosting Wages

One of the most significant benefits of collective bargaining is the ability to negotiate higher wages. When workers come together to demand better pay, they can leverage their collective bargaining power to secure higher salaries and benefits. According to a study by the Economic Policy Institute, workers in unionized industries earn an average of 13.6% more than their non-unionized counterparts. This translates to an average annual wage increase of $1,500 per worker.

Improving Benefits

Collective bargaining also allows workers to negotiate better benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. By pooling their resources, workers can secure more comprehensive and affordable benefits packages. For example, a study by the AFL-CIO found that workers in unionized industries are more likely to have access to employer-sponsored health insurance, with 83% of unionized workers having coverage compared to 63% of non-unionized workers.

Enhancing Job Security

Collective bargaining can also enhance job security by providing workers with greater protections against layoffs and unfair treatment. When workers are part of a union, they have a stronger voice in the workplace and are more likely to be represented in decision-making processes. This can help prevent unfair labor practices and ensure that workers are treated with dignity and respect. According to a study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in unionized industries are less likely to experience layoffs, with 4.5% of unionized workers experiencing layoffs compared to 6.5% of non-unionized workers.

Real-Life Examples of the Union Advantage

While the benefits of collective bargaining are clear, it’s often the real-life examples that illustrate the impact of unionization on workers’ lives. For example, in 2019, the United Auto Workers (UAW) negotiated a new contract with General Motors, securing higher wages, better benefits, and improved job security for thousands of workers. Similarly, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) has been instrumental in securing better wages and benefits for healthcare workers, including nurses and hospital staff.

Challenges and Opportunities

While collective bargaining has many benefits, it’s not without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is the growing trend of anti-union legislation and rhetoric, which seeks to undermine the power of workers and their unions. Additionally, the rise of the gig economy and precarious work has created new challenges for workers seeking to organize and negotiate better wages and benefits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the union advantage is clear: collective bargaining is a powerful tool for workers to negotiate better wages, benefits, and job security. By pooling their resources and expertise, workers can achieve better outcomes than they would on their own. As the global economy continues to evolve, it’s essential that workers and their unions continue to advocate for their rights and interests. By doing so, we can create a more equitable and just society for all.

FAQs

Q: What is collective bargaining?
A: Collective bargaining is the process of negotiating the terms and conditions of employment between an employer and a group of employees, typically represented by a labor union.

Q: What are the benefits of collective bargaining?
A: The benefits of collective bargaining include higher wages, better benefits, and improved job security.

Q: How does collective bargaining impact wages?
A: According to a study by the Economic Policy Institute, workers in unionized industries earn an average of 13.6% more than their non-unionized counterparts.

Q: What are some real-life examples of the union advantage?
A: Examples include the United Auto Workers’ (UAW) negotiation of a new contract with General Motors, securing higher wages, better benefits, and improved job security for thousands of workers, and the Service Employees International Union’s (SEIU) efforts to secure better wages and benefits for healthcare workers.

Q: What are some challenges facing collective bargaining?
A: Challenges include anti-union legislation and rhetoric, as well as the rise of the gig economy and precarious work.

Professional Women’s Soccer Coming to Denver in 2026

Expansion Fee Sets New Record

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has awarded Denver, Colorado, its 16th franchise, with an expansion fee of $110 million, a record high. The team ownership group, led by IMA Financial Group chairman Rob Cohen, Ariel Investments Mellody Hobson, and former Washington Commanders president Jason Wright, will bring professional women’s soccer to the Mile High City in 2026.

Team Ownership and Leadership

The ownership group includes Jon-Erik Borgen and Kaia Borgen Moritz, Neelima Joshi and Dhiren Jhaveri, and Molly Coors. Rob Cohen will serve as the controlling owner and governor, with Mellody Hobson as the alternate governor.

Venue and Stadium Plans

The team has not yet announced its home game venue, but Cohen mentioned that it will be a central location with access to mass transit. The ownership group hopes to announce the locations of temporary and permanent venues in the next few weeks. Cohen expressed his desire to build a state-of-the-art facility designed specifically for women’s play.

Denver’s Sports Scene and Community

Cohen, who founded the Denver Sports Commission in 2001, is no stranger to the Denver sports scene. He believes that bringing NWSL to Denver will have a significant impact and be transformative. The team aims to work closely with Denver’s diverse communities to build a club that operates with integrity and excellence from day one.

Competition and History

Denver beat out Cleveland and Cincinnati, which had WNBA rookie superstar Caitlin Clark as part of its bid. Colorado has a rich history with women’s soccer, with three players, Lindsey Horan, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Smith, all hailing from the state.

Conclusion

The addition of a professional women’s soccer team to Denver’s sports scene is a significant development, demonstrating the growing popularity and health of the sport. With a record-breaking expansion fee and a strong ownership group, the team is poised to make a lasting impact on the city and the league.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will the team start playing?
A: The team will begin playing in 2026.

Q: Who is leading the ownership group?
A: The ownership group is led by Rob Cohen, Ariel Investments Mellody Hobson, and former Washington Commanders president Jason Wright.

Q: Where will the team play its home games?
A: The team has not yet announced its home game venue, but hopes to announce the locations of temporary and permanent venues in the next few weeks.

Q: What is the expansion fee?
A: The expansion fee is $110 million, a record high.