HCRx acquired the rights to receive royalty payments from CSL Vifor and Maruishi Pharmaceutical for the sales of Korsuva, a treatment for pruritus in chronic kidney disease patients, allowing Cara Therapeutics to raise non-dilutive capital for its drug development.

Information on the Target

Korsuva (difelikefalin), marketed as Korsuva in the United States and Japan, and Kapruvia in other regions, is an injectable medication designed to treat pruritus in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are undergoing hemodialysis. The drug functions as a kappa-opioid receptor agonist, a class of compounds known for their efficacy in managing itch. Korsuva received approval for use in the US and Europe in 2022, followed by its approval in Japan in 2023.

This innovative treatment offers significant benefits to CKD patients suffering from persistent itching, an often debilitating symptom that can negatively impact their quality of life. Its successful launch in key markets such as the US and Japan underscores the growing recognition of the need for effective pruritus management in this patient population.

Industry Overview

The pharmaceutical industry in the United States is known for its robust infrastructure and strong focus on research and development. As one of the largest markets for pharmaceuticals worldwide, it attracts significant inve