Key clinical point: A novel oral formulation of a selective peripheral opioid agonist significantly improved the intensity of chronic kidney disease–associated pruritus.

Major finding: Weekly mean scores on the 24-hour Worst Itching Intensity Numeric Rating Scale improved from 7 out of a possible 10 to 2.6 after 12 weeks on once-daily oral difelikefalin at 1.0 mg.

Study details: This phase 2, randomized, double-blind, multicenter, dose-ranging study included 240 patients with intense CKD-associated itch.

Disclosures: The presenter reported serving as a consultant to Cara Therapeutics, the study sponsor, as well as numerous other pharmaceutical companies.