Given how late in the article it is mentioned that the drug was indistinguishable from placebo, this NYT article may well have been commissioned by Vertex.
My impression is that the "indistinguishable from placebo" is only in reference to a study on people with Sciatica, but that a different study did show a statistically-significant effect on post-surgical pain.
$465 USD for a 15-day supply definitely pricey -- but options for people who weren't well-served by Purdue Pharma / OxyContin seem good, especially if the mechanism of action is different.
If this is what you're referring to, note the article is talking about the side effects.
Not trying to say I'm for/against the drug, just wanted to point a possible incorrect conclusion.