KORSUVA

Difelikefalin is a selective kappa opioid receptor agonist with low central nervous system penetration. The pathophysiology of chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus is thought to be multifactorial, including systemic inflammation and an imbalance in the endogenous opioid system (e.g., overexpression of mu opioid receptors and concomitant downregulation of kappa opioid receptors). The activation of kappa opioid receptors on peripheral sensory neurons and immune cells by difelikefalin are considered mechanistically responsible for the antipruritic and anti-inflammatory effects.