Difelikefalin (Korsuva™) is a synthetic peptide agonist of the kappa opioid receptor being developed by Cara Therapeutics for the treatment of pruritus. In August 2021, intravenous difelikefalin was approved in the USA for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults undergoing haemodialysis. Difelikefalin selectively acts on kappa opioid receptors in peripheral tissues, which contribute to pruritis and nociception. The activation of opioid receptors in peripheral neurons and keratinocytes reduces afferent (sensory) impulses towards the central nervous system, decreasing pain signals. Activating kappa opioid receptors on immune cells, including monocytes and T lymphocytes, decreases the release of pro-inflammatory chemicals such as prostaglandins.

Difelikefalin (Korsuva™) is a synthetic peptide agonist of the kappa opioid receptor being developed by Cara Therapeutics for the treatment of pruritus. In August 2021, intravenous difelikefalin was approved in the USA for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults undergoing haemodialysis. Difelikefalin selectively acts on kappa opioid receptors in peripheral tissues, which contribute to pruritis and nociception. The activation of opioid receptors in peripheral neurons and keratinocytes reduces afferent (sensory) impulses towards the central nervous system, decreasing pain signals. Activating kappa opioid receptors on immune cells, including monocytes and T lymphocytes, decreases the release of pro-inflammatory chemicals such as prostaglandins.