NK-1 Drug Fills Motion Sickness Gap - Report - MDSpire

NK-1 Drug Fills Motion Sickness Gap

Tradipitant demonstrates 50% to 70% risk reduction for vomiting incidence during motion exposure in phase 3 trials.

  • By

  • Kerri Miller

  • January 2, 2026

  • 3 min

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Clinical Report: NK-1 Drug Fills Motion Sickness Gap

Overview

The FDA has approved NEREUS (tradipitant), an NK-1 receptor antagonist, for preventing motion-induced vomiting in adults, marking the first new treatment in over 40 years, addressing a significant gap in available therapies.

Background

Motion sickness affects a substantial portion of the population, with 25% to 30% of US adults experiencing symptoms during travel. Current treatment options have not changed significantly in decades, highlighting the need for new therapies. The approval of tradipitant offers a novel pharmacologic approach to managing this common condition.

Data Highlights

StudyTradipitant (85 mg)Tradipitant (170 mg)Placebo
Motion Syros (n=365)20% (85 mg)18% (170 mg)44%
Motion Serifos (n=316)18% (85 mg)10% (170 mg)38%

Key Findings

  • NEREUS (tradipitant) is the first NK-1 receptor antagonist approved for motion sickness.
  • Significant vomiting reduction: 50% to 70% risk reduction compared to placebo in clinical trials.
  • Common adverse effects include somnolence (up to 12%) and fatigue (up to 8%).
  • Tradipitant should not be used in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment.
  • Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients.
  • Monitor for CNS effects, especially in patients using other CNS depressants.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider tradipitant as a new option for patients with motion sickness, especially when traditional anticholinergic or sedating medications are undesirable. Monitoring for potential adverse effects, particularly in patients using CNS depressants, is essential to ensure patient safety.

Conclusion

The approval of tradipitant represents a significant advancement in the pharmacologic management of motion sickness, providing a new tool for clinicians to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

References

  1. Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc., Source, 2025 -- NK-1 Drug Fills Motion Sickness Gap
  2. conexiant — Can Balance Predict Motion Sickness? 
  3. Frontiers in Psychiatry — A Proposed Regimen of Existing Medications Including DXM, CYP2D6-Inhibiting Antidepressants, Piracetam, and Glutamine for Ketamine-Class Antidepressant Effects
  4. Ophthalmic Professional — Presbyopia solved with an eyedrop
  5. Ophthalmology Management — Quick Hits
  6. Can Balance Predict Motion Sickness?
  7. A Proposed Regimen of Existing Medications Including DXM, CYP2D6-Inhibiting Antidepressants, Piracetam, and Glutamine for Ketamine-Class Antidepressant Effects
  8. Presbyopia solved with an eyedrop
  9. 1/7/26, 2:25 PM
  10. These highlights do not include all the information needed to use NEREUS safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for NEREUS. NEREUS™ (tradipitant) capsules, for oral use Initial U.S. Approval: 2025

Original Source(s)

NK-1 Drug Fills Motion Sickness Gap

  • by Kerri Miller

  • January 2, 2026

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