VX-961

VX-961 is an investigational **small molecule** inhibitor of the voltage-gated sodium channel **NaV1.8** that was developed by **Vertex Pharmaceuticals** as a non-opioid analgesic candidate for pain indications including acute pain, chronic pain, and neuropathic pain. By selectively inhibiting NaV1.8 in peripheral nociceptive neurons, the drug was intended to reduce pain signaling without relying on opioid mechanisms. VX-961 entered Phase 1 development but was discontinued in early 2020 after it did not achieve Vertex's desired pharmacokinetic and tolerability profile, and it never received a brand name or advanced into later-stage clinical development.