Anrikefon (previously known as HSK21542) aka difelikefalin cousin, and itching
@kidneyboy.bsky.social choice of #KidneyWk draft now in the @bmj.com
www.bmj.com/content/390/...
#NephSky #Pruritis
@kidneyboy.bsky.social choice of #KidneyWk draft now in the @bmj.com
www.bmj.com/content/390/...
#NephSky #Pruritis
August 19, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Anrikefon (previously known as HSK21542) aka difelikefalin cousin, and itching
@kidneyboy.bsky.social choice of #KidneyWk draft now in the @bmj.com
www.bmj.com/content/390/...
#NephSky #Pruritis
@kidneyboy.bsky.social choice of #KidneyWk draft now in the @bmj.com
www.bmj.com/content/390/...
#NephSky #Pruritis
Research examined the role of serum phosphate in CKD-associated #pruritus and the efficacy of treatment with difelikefalin. #hemodialysis #kidneydisease #nephrology #nephsky
Serum Phosphate, Difelikefalin, and Pruritus Severity in CKD | Docwire News
Research examined the role of serum phosphate in chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus and the efficacy of treatment with difelikefalin in adults receiving hemodialysis.
www.docwirenews.com
March 16, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Research examined the role of serum phosphate in CKD-associated #pruritus and the efficacy of treatment with difelikefalin. #hemodialysis #kidneydisease #nephrology #nephsky
It raises the question, at least in ESKD/dialysis, of whether any agent can displace Mircera without superior safety data.
Also, TDAPA/TPNIES has failed to provide a glide path for difelikefalin, daprodustat, and the Tablo machine. If I were a regulator, I would be concerned about that streak.
Also, TDAPA/TPNIES has failed to provide a glide path for difelikefalin, daprodustat, and the Tablo machine. If I were a regulator, I would be concerned about that streak.
November 21, 2024 at 2:24 PM
It raises the question, at least in ESKD/dialysis, of whether any agent can displace Mircera without superior safety data.
Also, TDAPA/TPNIES has failed to provide a glide path for difelikefalin, daprodustat, and the Tablo machine. If I were a regulator, I would be concerned about that streak.
Also, TDAPA/TPNIES has failed to provide a glide path for difelikefalin, daprodustat, and the Tablo machine. If I were a regulator, I would be concerned about that streak.
In a recent #NatComm study, researchers leveraged high-resolution #cryoEM structures of the κ-opioid receptor bound to difelikefalin to guide the design of a more selective compound with reduced side-effect potential. 👉 cryosparc.com/blog/kor-sbdd
#StructuralBiology #SBDD #CryoSPARC
#StructuralBiology #SBDD #CryoSPARC
CryoSPARC | Scratching Beneath the Surface: Cryo-EM Guides New Opioid Drug Design
Cryo-EM revealed the molecular basis of KOR signaling bias, enabling structure-based drug design of an anti-pruritic peptide with reduced side effects.
cryosparc.com
June 16, 2026 at 11:57 AM
In a recent #NatComm study, researchers leveraged high-resolution #cryoEM structures of the κ-opioid receptor bound to difelikefalin to guide the design of a more selective compound with reduced side-effect potential. 👉 cryosparc.com/blog/kor-sbdd
#StructuralBiology #SBDD #CryoSPARC
#StructuralBiology #SBDD #CryoSPARC
🔹 Mu-opioid receptor enrichment plays a key role, targeted by the FDA-approved kappa-opioid receptor agonist difelikefalin
🔹 Skin barrier dysfunction is an important contributor
🔹 Always consider atopic dermatitis and other non-CKD etiologies of pruritus first!
🔹 Skin barrier dysfunction is an important contributor
🔹 Always consider atopic dermatitis and other non-CKD etiologies of pruritus first!
February 20, 2026 at 5:19 PM
🔹 Mu-opioid receptor enrichment plays a key role, targeted by the FDA-approved kappa-opioid receptor agonist difelikefalin
🔹 Skin barrier dysfunction is an important contributor
🔹 Always consider atopic dermatitis and other non-CKD etiologies of pruritus first!
🔹 Skin barrier dysfunction is an important contributor
🔹 Always consider atopic dermatitis and other non-CKD etiologies of pruritus first!
Real risk to be aware of (and nice slides!)
Dizziness seems to be a risk with Korsuva though I don’t see they reported any falls while people were on drug.
www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
Dizziness seems to be a risk with Korsuva though I don’t see they reported any falls while people were on drug.
www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
A Phase 3 Trial of Difelikefalin in Hemodialysis Patients with Pruritus | NEJM
Difelikefalin is a peripherally restricted and selective agonist of kappa opioid receptors that are considered to be important in modulating pruritus in conditions such as chronic kidney disease. I...
www.nejm.org
December 28, 2024 at 5:05 PM
Real risk to be aware of (and nice slides!)
Dizziness seems to be a risk with Korsuva though I don’t see they reported any falls while people were on drug.
www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
Dizziness seems to be a risk with Korsuva though I don’t see they reported any falls while people were on drug.
www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
Thank you Wally!!!
"Gabapentin, pregabalin and a new drug called difelikefalin are drugs that your doctor might consider prescribing for chronic kidney disease-related itch. For more information speak to your kidney team."
I have a gab prn for carpal tunnel. I haven't been taking it
"Gabapentin, pregabalin and a new drug called difelikefalin are drugs that your doctor might consider prescribing for chronic kidney disease-related itch. For more information speak to your kidney team."
I have a gab prn for carpal tunnel. I haven't been taking it
May 31, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Thank you Wally!!!
"Gabapentin, pregabalin and a new drug called difelikefalin are drugs that your doctor might consider prescribing for chronic kidney disease-related itch. For more information speak to your kidney team."
I have a gab prn for carpal tunnel. I haven't been taking it
"Gabapentin, pregabalin and a new drug called difelikefalin are drugs that your doctor might consider prescribing for chronic kidney disease-related itch. For more information speak to your kidney team."
I have a gab prn for carpal tunnel. I haven't been taking it
📚
Saucereau J, Brenaut E, Ficheux AS, Rostoker G, Misery L, Le Gall-Ianotto C. Association of pruritus with comorbidities and survival in chronic kidney disease: a narrative review of the pre-difelikefalin era literature. Ren Fail. 2026;48(1):2622801.
Saucereau J, Brenaut E, Ficheux AS, Rostoker G, Misery L, Le Gall-Ianotto C. Association of pruritus with comorbidities and survival in chronic kidney disease: a narrative review of the pre-difelikefalin era literature. Ren Fail. 2026;48(1):2622801.
July 22, 2026 at 12:08 AM
📚
Saucereau J, Brenaut E, Ficheux AS, Rostoker G, Misery L, Le Gall-Ianotto C. Association of pruritus with comorbidities and survival in chronic kidney disease: a narrative review of the pre-difelikefalin era literature. Ren Fail. 2026;48(1):2622801.
Saucereau J, Brenaut E, Ficheux AS, Rostoker G, Misery L, Le Gall-Ianotto C. Association of pruritus with comorbidities and survival in chronic kidney disease: a narrative review of the pre-difelikefalin era literature. Ren Fail. 2026;48(1):2622801.
Product Description
Difelikefalin is a structurally defined synthetic peptide designed for scientific research focused on kappa opioid receptor (KOR)–mediated signaling pathways.
arizona-mall.com/product/dife...
Difelikefalin is a structurally defined synthetic peptide designed for scientific research focused on kappa opioid receptor (KOR)–mediated signaling pathways.
arizona-mall.com/product/dife...
Difelikefalin | High-Purity Peptide Raw Material Wholesale Supply
Difelikefalin is a synthetic peptide and a selective kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist known for its peripheral activity. It shows promise in research related to pain modulation and pruritus (itch) relief. Manufactured at 99.98% purity under GMP conditions, Difelikefalin is intended solely for laboratory research.?For wholesale prices, other specifications and uses, please consult our staff?
arizona-mall.com
January 23, 2026 at 6:00 AM
Product Description
Difelikefalin is a structurally defined synthetic peptide designed for scientific research focused on kappa opioid receptor (KOR)–mediated signaling pathways.
arizona-mall.com/product/dife...
Difelikefalin is a structurally defined synthetic peptide designed for scientific research focused on kappa opioid receptor (KOR)–mediated signaling pathways.
arizona-mall.com/product/dife...
Difelikefalin – Purity 99.98% | GMP Factory
Difelikefalin is a synthetic peptide and a selective kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist known for its peripheral activity. It shows promise in research related to pain modulation and pruritus (itch) relief. Manufactured at 99.98% purity under GMP…
Difelikefalin is a synthetic peptide and a selective kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist known for its peripheral activity. It shows promise in research related to pain modulation and pruritus (itch) relief. Manufactured at 99.98% purity under GMP…
Difelikefalin – Purity 99.98% | GMP Factory
Difelikefalin is a synthetic peptide and a selective kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist known for its peripheral activity. It shows promise in research related to pain modulation and pruritus (itch) relief. Manufactured at 99.98% purity under GMP conditions, Difelikefalin is intended solely for laboratory research.（For wholesale prices, other specifications and uses, please consult our staff）
arizona-mall.com
August 9, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Difelikefalin – Purity 99.98% | GMP Factory
Difelikefalin is a synthetic peptide and a selective kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist known for its peripheral activity. It shows promise in research related to pain modulation and pruritus (itch) relief. Manufactured at 99.98% purity under GMP…
Difelikefalin is a synthetic peptide and a selective kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist known for its peripheral activity. It shows promise in research related to pain modulation and pruritus (itch) relief. Manufactured at 99.98% purity under GMP…
Novel Drug Eases Uremic Pruritus - Renal and Urology News #KidneyWk 2019 @ASNKidney @sfishbane https://www.renalandurologynews.com/home/conference-highlights/kidney-week-annual-meeting/kidney-week-2019/novel-drug-eases-uremic-pruritus/
Novel Drug Eases Uremic Pruritus
In a phase 3 trial, difelikefalin, a kappa opioid recepto...
www.renalandurologynews.com
December 9, 2024 at 12:35 PM
Novel Drug Eases Uremic Pruritus - Renal and Urology News #KidneyWk 2019 @ASNKidney @sfishbane https://www.renalandurologynews.com/home/conference-highlights/kidney-week-annual-meeting/kidney-week-2019/novel-drug-eases-uremic-pruritus/
@sfishbane @KIreports Randomized controlled trial of difelikefalin for chronic pruritus in hemodialysis patients https://www.kireports.org/article/S2468-0249(20)30027-9/fulltext#.XjARYxqVRpE.twitter
December 9, 2024 at 11:54 AM
@sfishbane @KIreports Randomized controlled trial of difelikefalin for chronic pruritus in hemodialysis patients https://www.kireports.org/article/S2468-0249(20)30027-9/fulltext#.XjARYxqVRpE.twitter
@sfishbane https://www.kireports.org/article/S2468-0249(20)30027-9/pdf Randomized Controlled Trial of Difelikefalin for Chronic Pruritus in Hemodialysis
Patients @KIReports
Patients @KIReports
December 9, 2024 at 11:07 AM
@sfishbane https://www.kireports.org/article/S2468-0249(20)30027-9/pdf Randomized Controlled Trial of Difelikefalin for Chronic Pruritus in Hemodialysis
Patients @KIReports
Patients @KIReports
Congrats to @sfishbane @nupuruppal and research team for the Feinstein Institute Award of Excellence in Research for the studies and publication of difelikefalin in patients with uremic pruritus. @NorthwellHealth @HofNorthwellDOM
December 9, 2024 at 6:27 AM
Congrats to @sfishbane @nupuruppal and research team for the Feinstein Institute Award of Excellence in Research for the studies and publication of difelikefalin in patients with uremic pruritus. @NorthwellHealth @HofNorthwellDOM
Long-term Safety and Efficacy of Difelikefalin in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease–Associated Pruritus: Analysis From KALM-1 and KALM-2 https://casehippo.com/spa/symposium/national-kidney-foundation-2021-spring-clinical-meetings/event/gallery/abstracts?abstractId=2055 @sfishbane...
CaseHippo
One platform for interactive learning, engagement and col...
casehippo.com
December 9, 2024 at 6:06 AM
Long-term Safety and Efficacy of Difelikefalin in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease–Associated Pruritus: Analysis From KALM-1 and KALM-2 https://casehippo.com/spa/symposium/national-kidney-foundation-2021-spring-clinical-meetings/event/gallery/abstracts?abstractId=2055 @sfishbane...
PO0805 — 2021 ASN
Safety and Efficacy of Difelikefalin in Black or African American Patients on Hemodialysis with CKD-Associated Pruritus: Pooled Analysis of KALM-1 and KALM-2 https://asn.apprisor.org/epsAbstractASN.cfm?id=5 @sfishbane @ASNKidney #kidneywk 2021
Safety and Efficacy of Difelikefalin in Black or African American Patients on Hemodialysis with CKD-Associated Pruritus: Pooled Analysis of KALM-1 and KALM-2 https://asn.apprisor.org/epsAbstractASN.cfm?id=5 @sfishbane @ASNKidney #kidneywk 2021
ASN ePosters
asn.apprisor.org
December 9, 2024 at 3:45 AM
PO0805 — 2021 ASN
Safety and Efficacy of Difelikefalin in Black or African American Patients on Hemodialysis with CKD-Associated Pruritus: Pooled Analysis of KALM-1 and KALM-2 https://asn.apprisor.org/epsAbstractASN.cfm?id=5 @sfishbane @ASNKidney #kidneywk 2021
Safety and Efficacy of Difelikefalin in Black or African American Patients on Hemodialysis with CKD-Associated Pruritus: Pooled Analysis of KALM-1 and KALM-2 https://asn.apprisor.org/epsAbstractASN.cfm?id=5 @sfishbane @ASNKidney #kidneywk 2021
Effect of Treatment with Difelikefalin on Itch Severity in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus Measured by the Patient Global Impression of Change...
December 9, 2024 at 2:53 AM
Effect of Treatment with Difelikefalin on Itch Severity in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus Measured by the Patient Global Impression of Change...
Safety and Tolerability of Difelikefalin for the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Pruritus in Hemodialysis Patients: Pooled Analysis From the Phase 3 Clinical Trial Program - @sfishbane @KidneyMed https://www.kidneymedicinejournal.org/article/S2590-0595(22)00134-0/fulltext
December 9, 2024 at 1:47 AM
Safety and Tolerability of Difelikefalin for the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Pruritus in Hemodialysis Patients: Pooled Analysis From the Phase 3 Clinical Trial Program - @sfishbane @KidneyMed https://www.kidneymedicinejournal.org/article/S2590-0595(22)00134-0/fulltext
Difelikefalin for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37010031/ @sfishbane
Difelikefalin for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pru...
Difelikefalin is a kappa opioid receptor agonist, with a ...
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
December 8, 2024 at 11:56 PM
Difelikefalin for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37010031/ @sfishbane
Difelikefalin in Black/African American Hemodialysis Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Pruritus: Post hoc Analysis of KALM-1 and KALM- https://karger.com/ajn/article/doi/10.1159/000534227/895970/Difelikefalin-in-Black-African-American @sfishbane @kidney_boy @edgarvlermamd @AmJNephrol
December 8, 2024 at 9:50 PM
Difelikefalin in Black/African American Hemodialysis Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Pruritus: Post hoc Analysis of KALM-1 and KALM- https://karger.com/ajn/article/doi/10.1159/000534227/895970/Difelikefalin-in-Black-African-American @sfishbane @kidney_boy @edgarvlermamd @AmJNephrol
Steven Fishbane https://journals.lww.com/kidney360/abstract/9900/pruritus_severity_and_serum_phosphate_in_ckd__a.436.aspx Pruritus Severity and Serum Phosphate in CKD: A Post Hoc Analysis of Difelikefalin Studies @ASNKidney360
December 8, 2024 at 9:07 PM
Steven Fishbane https://journals.lww.com/kidney360/abstract/9900/pruritus_severity_and_serum_phosphate_in_ckd__a.436.aspx Pruritus Severity and Serum Phosphate in CKD: A Post Hoc Analysis of Difelikefalin Studies @ASNKidney360
Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus and quality of life with difelikefalin treatment: a post hoc analysis of phase 3 data using the Skindex-10 questionnaire @CKJsocial @sfishbane https://academic.oup.com/ckj/advance-article/doi/10.1093/ckj/sfae274/7750644
December 8, 2024 at 9:02 PM
Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus and quality of life with difelikefalin treatment: a post hoc analysis of phase 3 data using the Skindex-10 questionnaire @CKJsocial @sfishbane https://academic.oup.com/ckj/advance-article/doi/10.1093/ckj/sfae274/7750644
Difelikefalin for CKD-aP: real world evidence of efficacy and safety in Italian patients
doi.org/10.1093/ckj/...
doi.org/10.1093/ckj/...
Difelikefalin for CKD-aP: real world evidence of efficacy and safety in Italian patients
AbstractIntroduction. Chronic Kidney Disease Associated Pruritus (CKD-aP), defined as moderate to severe itching directly related to kidney disease, affect
doi.org
February 19, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Difelikefalin for CKD-aP: real world evidence of efficacy and safety in Italian patients
doi.org/10.1093/ckj/...
doi.org/10.1093/ckj/...
Using the cryo-EM structure of the KOR-G protein-difelikefalin complex, researchers identified interactions linked to receptor activation and signaling bias, revealing opportunities for structure-guided optimization.
June 16, 2026 at 11:58 AM
Using the cryo-EM structure of the KOR-G protein-difelikefalin complex, researchers identified interactions linked to receptor activation and signaling bias, revealing opportunities for structure-guided optimization.
Difelikefalin is FDA-approved to treat pruritus in chronic kidney disease, but activation of the κ-opioid receptor can trigger both #Gprotein and β-arrestin signaling, contributing to side effects such as sedation, dysphoria, and anxiety.
June 16, 2026 at 11:58 AM
Difelikefalin is FDA-approved to treat pruritus in chronic kidney disease, but activation of the κ-opioid receptor can trigger both #Gprotein and β-arrestin signaling, contributing to side effects such as sedation, dysphoria, and anxiety.