Library · Brain & nerves · Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus
Difelikefalin
Korsuva, CR845
Selective kappa opioid receptor agonist approved in 2021 as the first treatment for moderate-to-severe itching in adult hemodialysis patients with chronic kidney disease. Has over 10,000-fold greater affinity for kappa than mu opioid receptors, giving minimal brain effects.
Research score 83/100. Reference only, not a dose.
- Pruritus Relief
- Anti-itch
- US status
- Prescription Only
- Approval
- FDA Approved (2021)
- Evidence
- KALM-1 and KALM-2 Phase 3 trials demonstrated significant pruritus reduction vs placebo
- Research score
- 83 / 100
- Indication
- CKD-associated pruritus in hemodialysis patients
- Origin
- United States
- Source category
- Pain & Analgesia
- Status group
- Approved / prescription
Mechanism
Activates kappa opioid receptors on peripheral sensory nerves and immune cells to dampen itch signaling, without central nervous system or mu-receptor involvement.
Safety file
Favorable profile; no respiratory depression, sedation, or euphoria, and low addiction potential.
- Minimal due to peripheral action