Drug updated on 3/28/2024
| Dosage Form | Injection (intravenous; 50 mcg/mL) |
| Drug Class | Kappa opioid receptor agonists |
| Ongoing and Completed Studies | ClinicalTrials.gov |
Indication
- For the treatment of moderate-to-severe pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD-aP) in adults undergoing hemodialysis (HD).
Summary
- Difelikefalin (Korsuva) is a selective, peripherally acting kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) agonist that has been approved for the treatment of pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease in adult hemodialysis patients.
- The drug's efficacy was evaluated based on its ability to reduce pruritus in patients as assessed by the Worst Itching Intensity Numerical Rating Scale, showing significant improvement.
- In addition to reducing itching intensity, difelikefalin also improved quality of life for these patients as indicated by improvements in Skindex scores and 5-D itch scale ratings.
- The most commonly reported side effects from using difelikefalin were mild and included nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhea indicating a good safety profile compared to other drugs used for similar indications.
- This information comes from one systematic review/meta-analysis document which thoroughly examined available clinical trials related to this drug's use in treating uremic pruritus among adults undergoing hemodialysis due to chronic kidney disease.
- Given its proven effectiveness at reducing symptoms of CKD-aP along with minimal side effects observed during clinical trials reviewed within this meta-analysis document; it can be inferred that difelikefalin presents an effective therapeutic option for health professionals considering treatments options for their CKD-aP patient population undergoing hemodialysis therapy sessions regularly or intermittently.
Product Monograph / Prescribing Information
| Document Title | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Korsuva (difelikefalin) Prescribing Information. | 2021 | Vifor (International) Inc., St. Gallen, Switzerland |
Systematic Reviews / Meta-Analyses
| Document Title | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment report: Kapruvia. | 2022 | EMA |
| Difelikefalin in the treatment of chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus: a systematic review. | 2022 | Pharmaceuticals |