Vertex Pharmaceuticals ( VRTX) has long been known as the company to turn to for life-saving cystic fibrosis (CF) drugs, and this platform has helped it generate billions of dollars in earnings. But Vertex now is showing that it also can be a game changer when it comes to treating one of the most common of health problems -- pain.

A non-opioid pain medication made by Vertex Pharmaceuticals has received approval for adults from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Vertex has gained the FDA's approval for its nonaddictive pain med Journavx, which becomes the first significant innovation in pain relief in more than two decades.