Introduction#
Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. has announced the launch of NEREUS (tradipitant), a new medication aimed at preventing motion sickness in adults. This marks the first approval of a new prescription drug for this condition in over 40 years.
FDA Approval and Market Availability#
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved NEREUS on December 30, 2025. This oral medication is classified as a neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist, which means it works by blocking specific receptors in the brain that are involved in nausea and vomiting. NEREUS is now available at retail pharmacies across the United States and can also be purchased online through a direct-to-consumer platform at nereus.us. Patients with a prescription can buy it for $85 per dose, significantly lower than the standard list price of $255.
Impact on Motion Sickness and Market Response#
Motion sickness affects a significant number of Americans, with estimates suggesting that 65 to 78 million adults experience it during travel. Vanda's stock has seen a positive response to the drug's approval, with a 63% return over the past six months. Despite posting a loss of $3.74 per share in the last year, analysts predict earnings of $0.99 per share for 2026, indicating optimism about NEREUS's potential in the market.
Clinical Trials and Usage#
The FDA's approval of NEREUS followed two Phase 3 clinical trials, which demonstrated its effectiveness in significantly reducing vomiting compared to a placebo. The drug is recommended to be taken one or two capsules about an hour before travel. Common side effects include drowsiness, headache, and fatigue, and it may affect the ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. NEREUS has not been tested for safety and effectiveness in children and is not advised for individuals with liver or severe kidney issues.
Future Prospects#
Vanda Pharmaceuticals is also exploring the use of tradipitant for other medical conditions, such as gastroparesis and nausea related to certain diabetes treatments. With a revenue of $216.1 million and a solid liquidity ratio, the company appears well-positioned for future growth.