Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Maruishi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. announced that KORSUVA® IV Injection Syringe for Dialysis 17.5g, 25.0g, and 35.0g (generic name: difelikefalin acetate "KORSUVA®") for the treatment of pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis will launch in Japan on December 13, 2023. KORSUVA® is a kappa opioid receptor agonist originated and developed by Cara Therapeutics Inc. In April 2013, Maruishi acquired certain rights from Cara, and since March 2017, Maruishi and Kissei have been jointly developing KORSUVA® for the indication of uremic pruritus in Japan. On September 25, 2023, Maruishi obtained manufacturing and marketing authorization of KORSUVA® in Japan for the treatment of pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

The product is manufactured by Maruishi and marketed by Kissei in Japan. KORSUVA® is provided as a pre-filled syringe formulation to facilitate convenience in the medical environment. Through the supply of KORSUVA® Kissei and Maruishi strive to expand treatment options for uremic pruritus and to improve the QOL (Quality of Life) of patients undergoing hemodialysis.