Scilex Holding Company is a forward-thinking healthcare company focused on developing and commercializing non-opioid products for pain management. Founded in 2020 and based in Palo Alto, California, Scilex is dedicated to addressing both acute and chronic pain through innovative treatments that do not involve opioids, a major advantage considering the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States and beyond.
The company’s flagship product is ZTlido, a topical prescription medication containing lidocaine. This product is specifically designed to relieve neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a painful nerve condition that can follow shingles. The approval of ZTlido by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reflects its effectiveness in addressing this often-debilitating condition without the risks associated with opioid medications.
Neuropathic pain, particularly that caused by PHN, can be challenging to manage. PHN arises when the nerve fibers damaged by shingles continue to send pain signals to the brain even after the infection has cleared. This lingering pain can severely affect a patient’s quality of life, making effective treatment critical. ZTlido offers a targeted approach, delivering pain relief directly to the affected area through its topical application.
In addition to ZTlido, Scilex also markets GLOPERBA, an oral solution approved by the FDA for the prevention of painful gout flares in adults. Gout, a type of arthritis characterized by sudden and severe joint pain, can be particularly disabling if left untreated. GLOPERBA serves as a preventive measure, helping patients manage the condition and avoid the intense flare-ups that can disrupt daily life.
Scilex Holding Co. aims to expand its portfolio with additional non-opioid products, driven by its mission to offer safe and effective pain management solutions. By focusing on non-opioid alternatives, the company seeks to reduce the risks associated with traditional pain medications, which can lead to addiction and other serious health issues