Pharmacological action and clinical evaluation of difelikefalin, a new drug for the treatment of uremic pruritus / 中国基层医药

ABSTRACT

Uremic pruritus is one of the skin complications that perplex patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Because the specific pathogenesis is not clear, there is no unified treatment plan in the world. In August 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the use of difelikefalin (under the trade name Korsuva) for the treatment of moderate to severe pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease in adult patients undergoing hemodialysis. Studies have shown that difelikefalin can remarkably reduce the intensity of pruritus and improve sleep and pruritus-related quality of life. The recommended dose of difelikefalin is 0.5 μg/kg, and difelikefalin is well tolerated and has high safety. This paper reviews the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy and safety of difelikefalin.