In a breakthrough development at the close of 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new treatment for motion sickness—the first such medication to receive approval in more than four decades. The drug, Nereus (tradipitant), developed by Washington, D.C.-based Vanda Pharmaceuticals, offers a long-awaited modern alternative for the prevention of vomiting caused by motion-induced nausea. It is now poised for commercial release in 2026, potentially transforming care for millions of people who suffer from the debilitating condition.
Motion sickness is a widespread problem affecting travelers on planes, boats, cars, and other moving vehicles. It is especially prevalent among women, children, and individuals with certain vestibular sensitivities. Until now, treatment options have been limited to over-the-counter antihistamines such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine, or prescription patches like scopolamine. While these drugs can be effective, they often come with undesirable side effects such as significant drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurred vision. Furthermore, their effectiveness can vary widely among users.
Nereus represents a shift in approach. It targets a specific pathway in the brainstem by blocking neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptors, which play a key role in triggering the vomiting reflex. This mechanism is distinct from older antihistamine-based treatments, giving Nereus a pharmacological edge that could translate into better symptom control for those who do not respond well to existing options. In pivotal late-stage clinical trials, Nereus was shown to significantly reduce vomiting compared with placebo, particularly in realistic motion environments such as boats at sea.
The FDA’s approval marks a major regulatory milestone for Vanda Pharmaceuticals, which overcame a series of obstacles during the drug’s development. At one point, the agency placed a clinical hold on the drug, citing a need for additional safety studies. That stance shifted after the FDA concluded that motion sickness is best categorized as an acute, not chronic, condition—reducing the scope of safety data required for approval. With that reassessment, the hold was lifted and the drug moved swiftly through final review.
The green light from the FDA not only validates Nereus’s efficacy and safety profile, but also signals the government’s acknowledgment of an unmet medical need in this long-overlooked category. For over 40 years, patients have relied on dated remedies to cope with motion-induced nausea, with limited innovation entering the market. Now, with Nereus on the horizon, there is renewed hope that science and technology can deliver better quality of life for those impacted by this condition.
Vanda plans to launch the drug commercially in early 2026. It will be available by prescription, initially in the United States, with potential expansion into international markets pending regulatory approvals abroad. The company expects demand to be strong, especially among frequent travelers and individuals with severe motion sensitivity. Analysts project that annual sales could reach $100 million or more, depending on uptake among healthcare providers and consumer awareness.
In addition to its use for motion sickness, Vanda is exploring broader applications for tradipitant. Clinical studies are underway to evaluate its potential in treating other nausea-related conditions, such as gastroparesis and chemotherapy-induced nausea, areas where new treatments are also in high demand. If these indications receive approval, the drug could become a cornerstone therapy across several gastrointestinal and neurological domains.
For now, the approval of Nereus represents a rare and important step forward in travel medicine. It closes a multi-decade innovation gap and offers new hope to those for whom travel has long been associated with discomfort, anxiety, or avoidance. As the medication becomes available in the coming year, clinicians and patients will be watching closely to see whether it lives up to its promise of improved control, fewer side effects, and greater freedom for those living with motion sickness.
