NICE Gives Nod to Kapruvia for Moderate-to-Severe CKD-Associated Pruritus

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Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma (VFMCRP) and Cara Therapeutics have announced, in a May 18, 2023 press release, that the United Kingdom’s National Institute for Heath and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended Kapruvia as a treatment for adult patients with moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated pruritus.

The recommendation from NICE follows from the authorization made by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in April 2022 and has been based on positive data from two Phase III trials. Additionally, data from 32 clinical studies have been used to support the regulatory decisions on Kapruvia.

“The recommendation of Kapruvia by NICE is a key step on our journey to bring this breakthrough treatment to in-center hemodialysis patients living with moderate-to-severe CKD-associated pruritus in the UK,” said Fabio Dorigotti, head Global Medical Affairs of CSL Vifor, in the press release. “We look forward to continue working with the National Health Service to ensure access to this important medicine for patients as quickly as possible.”

“We are pleased that Kapruvia will be available to CKD patients in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland who are undergoing hemodialysis and suffering from moderate-to-severe CKD-associated pruritus,” added Christopher Posner, president and CEO of Cara Therapeutics, in the press release. “Together with VFMCRP, we are committed to bringing our first-of-its kind therapy to providers and patients around the world to help change the way pruritus is managed.”

“Chronic kidney disease-related itch is common for people on hemodialysis and represents a significant unmet need; leading to poor sleep and reduced quality of life for patients,” said Kieran McCafferty, consultant nephrologist, Barts Health NHS Trust, in the press release. “We now have an option to help reduce the burden of CKD-related itch.”

Source: CSL Vifor