Vanda launches NEREUS motion sickness drug after 40-year gap

Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: VNDA) announced the commercial availability of NEREUS (tradipitant) in the United States for preventing motion-induced vomiting in adults. The drug represents the first new prescription treatment for motion sickness approved in more than 40 years.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved NEREUS on December 30, 2025, following two Phase 3 clinical trials conducted on the open sea. Both studies demonstrated that the drug significantly prevented vomiting compared to placebo during actual sea travel conditions.

NEREUS is available through retail pharmacies nationwide and through a direct-to-consumer platform at nereus.us. The company offers the medication at a cash-pay price of $85 per dose through its online portal, compared to the standard list price of $255 per dose.

The drug functions as a neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist, blocking receptors in the central nervous system that are activated by substance P, which the company states is believed to trigger nausea and vomiting during motion. Patients take one or two capsules approximately one hour before travel.

"NEREUS is a selective, high-affinity antagonist of human substance P/neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptors that can block the vomiting center of the brain," said Mihael H. Polymeropoulos, President, CEO and Chairman of Vanda.

Motion sickness affects an estimated 65 to 78 million Americans, representing roughly 25 to 30 percent of adults during travel by car, plane, or boat, according to the company's statement.

The medication carries warnings about potential impairment of driving abilities and operating heavy machinery. Common side effects include drowsiness, headache, and fatigue. NEREUS is not recommended for patients with liver problems or severe kidney problems, and its safety in children has not been established.

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