Cara Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative therapies to address chronic pruritus, a condition that significantly impacts the quality of life for millions of individuals. The company has made significant strides in the treatment of pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Their flagship product, KORSUVA Injection, is the first and only FDA-approved therapy specifically designed to alleviate CKD-associated pruritus (CKD-aP). This condition is believed to arise from a complex interplay of factors, including metabolic disturbances and immune system dysregulation, which Cara Therapeutics aims to address through its targeted therapeutic approach.

In addition to nephrology, Cara Therapeutics is also exploring treatment options for pruritus related to dermatological conditions, such as Notalgia Paresthetica (NP). NP is characterized by chronic pruritus due to sensory neuropathy, and it currently lacks FDA-approved therapies. Cara's research into the underlying mechanisms of pruritus in various diseases highlights their commitment to transforming the treatment landscape for patients suffering from this debilitating condition. Through their innovative pipeline and patented technologies, Cara Therapeutics is dedicated to providing effective relief for those affected by chronic pruritus.

United States

Cara Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing new chemical entities designed to alleviate pruritus by selectively targeting peripheral kappa opioid receptors (KORs).

Kidney Diseases

Nervous System Diseases

Pathological Conditions

Skin Diseases

Cara Therapeutics

Kidney disease

Pruritus with chronic kidney disease

Difelikefalin (CR845) is a peripherally restricted, selective kappa opioid receptor agonist that exerts antipruritic effects by means of activation of kappa opioid receptors on peripheral neurons and immune cells. The hydrophilic small-peptide structure restricts passive diffusion across membranes, thereby limiting access to kappa opioid receptors in the central nervous system (<a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1912770">Fishbane et al., 2020</a>).

Korsuva IV (CR845 IV) 

Chronic pruritus

Pruritus associated with notalgia paresthetica

Difelikefalin (CR845) is a peripherally restricted, selective kappa opioid receptor agonist that exerts antipruritic effects by means of activation of kappa opioid receptors on peripheral neurons and immune cells. The hydrophilic small-peptide structure restricts passive diffusion across membranes, thereby limiting access to kappa opioid receptors in the central nervous system (<a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1912770">Fishbane et al., 2020</a>).

Oral Korsuva (difelikefalin) (CR845)

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic pruritus

Inflammatory disease

Skin disease/disorder

Opioid analgesics can act through three different types of opioid receptors, called mu, delta, and kappa. Morphine, the most widely used opioid analgesic, acts primarily via activation of the mu opioid receptor located in the central nervous system (CNS). This CNS action induces pain relief but is also associated with a wide array of CNS-mediated side effects including nausea/vomiting, sedation, respiratory depression, and abuse liability. As a way to avoid these undesirable CNS and mu opioid mediated side effects, there has been an effort to develop opioids which activate peripheral kappa opioid receptors present on sensory nerves, immune cells and the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Such compounds, Kappa Opioid Receptor Agonists (KORAs), are thought to have the potential to provide pain relief (peripheral opioid analgesia) without producing significant CNS and mu-opioid mediated side effects.

Oral Korsuva (difelikefalin)(CR845) 

Chronic kidney disease

Difelikefalin (CR845) is a peripherally restricted, selective kappa opioid receptor agonist that exerts antipruritic effects by means of activation of kappa opioid receptors on peripheral neurons and immune cells. The hydrophilic small-peptide structure restricts passive diffusion across membranes, thereby limiting access to kappa opioid receptors in the central nervous system (<a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1912770" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Fishbane et al., 2020</a>).

Oral Korsuva (difelikefalin) (CR845) 

Blood disorder

Chronic liver disease

Hemophilia

Liver disease

Difelikefalin (CR845) is a peripherally restricted, selective kappa opioid receptor agonist that exerts antipruritic effects by means of activation of kappa opioid receptors on peripheral neurons and immune cells. The hydrophilic small-peptide structure restricts passive diffusion across membranes, thereby limiting access to kappa opioid receptors in the central nervous system (<a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1912770">Fishbane et al., 2020</a>).

Cara Therapeutics

Company Details