Vanda Launches First New Motion Sickness Drug in 40 Years
Event summary
- Vanda Pharmaceuticals launched NEREUS™ (tradipitant), the first new prescription treatment for motion sickness in over 40 years, available nationwide via pharmacies and a direct-to-consumer portal.
- The drug, approved by the FDA on December 30, 2025, targets neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptors to prevent vomiting induced by motion.
- NEREUS™ is priced at $85 per dose through the direct-to-consumer portal, a 67% discount from the standard list price of $255 per dose.
- The launch follows successful Phase 3 trials conducted under real-world conditions on the open sea, demonstrating significant prevention of vomiting compared to placebo.
The big picture
Vanda's launch of NEREUS™ addresses a significant unmet need in the treatment of motion sickness, a condition affecting a quarter of U.S. adults. The drug's novel mechanism and direct-to-consumer distribution strategy could set a new standard for addressing common travel-related ailments. The move also highlights the potential for specialized pharmacologic solutions in areas long dominated by over-the-counter remedies.
What we're watching
- Market Adoption
- Whether the direct-to-consumer pricing strategy will drive widespread adoption among the 65-78 million Americans affected by motion sickness.
- Competitive Response
- How existing over-the-counter and generic treatments will react to the introduction of a prescription-only alternative.
- Pipeline Expansion
- The pace at which Vanda advances NEREUS™ into other indications, such as gastroparesis and GLP-1 receptor agonist-induced nausea.
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