Basic Information
EMA regulatory identification and product classification information
EMA Identifiers
Overview Summary
Comprehensive product overview and regulatory summary
Kapruvia is a medicine used to treat moderate to severe pruritus (itching) in adults with chronic kidney disease who are on haemodialysis (treatment with a machine that filters toxins from the blood).
Kapruvia contains the active substance difelikefalin.
Active Substances (1)
difelikefalin
Documents (10)
Kapruvia : EPAR - Public Assessment Report
April 27, 2022
INITIAL_MARKETING_AUTHORISATION_DOCUMENTS
Kapruvia : EPAR - Product Information
April 28, 2022
DRUG_PRODUCT_INFORMATION
CHMP summary of positive opinion for Kapruvia
February 25, 2022
INITIAL_MARKETING_AUTHORISATION_DOCUMENTS
Kapruvia : EPAR - Public Assessment Report
April 28, 2022
CHANGES_SINCE_INITIAL_AUTHORISATION
CHMP summary of positive opinion for Kapruvia
February 25, 2022
CHANGES_SINCE_INITIAL_AUTHORISATION
Kapruvia : EPAR - All authorised presentations
April 28, 2022
AUTHORISED_PRESENTATIONS
Kapruvia : EPAR - Procedural steps taken and scientific information after authorisation
July 25, 2022
CHANGES_SINCE_INITIAL_AUTHORISATION
Kapruvia : EPAR - Assessment report for paediatric studies submitted according to Article 46 of the Regulation (EC) No 1901/2006
May 30, 2024
CHANGES_SINCE_INITIAL_AUTHORISATION
Kapruvia : EPAR - Medicine Overview
April 28, 2022
OVERVIEW_DOCUMENT
Kapruvia : EPAR - Risk management plan summary
April 28, 2022
RISK_MANAGEMENT_PLAN_SUMMARY
Overview Q&A (7)
Question
Other information about Kapruvia
Answer
Kapruvia received a marketing authorisation valid throughout the EU on 25 April 2022.
Question
How is Kapruvia used?
Answer
Kapruvia can only be obtained with a prescription and treatment should be given by a healthcare professional with relevant experience. The medicine is given as an injection into the vein at the end of a haemodialysis procedure. It is given three times per week and the dose depends on the patient’s weight.
For more information about using Kapruvia, see the package leaflet or contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Question
How does Kapruvia work?
Answer
Difelikefalin, the active substance in Kapruvia, is an opioid that bind to receptors (targets) on nerves and immune cells involved in controlling itching and inflammation. By binding to the receptors (called kappa opioid receptors), difelikefalin activates them, reducing inflammation that could lead to itchiness and decreasing the signals that lead to the feeling of itchiness itself.
Question
What benefits of Kapruvia have been shown in studies?
Answer
Kapruvia was effective at reducing the severity of pruritus in two main studies involving adults experiencing moderate to severe itchiness associated with chronic kidney disease. The main measure of effectiveness was a self-reported reduction of the worst level of itchiness experienced in a day.
The first study involved 378 adults with chronic kidney disease who had been on haemodialysis for at least three months. Of the patients taking Kapruvia, 51% reported a reduction of at least three points on the itchiness scale, compared with 28% who were taking a placebo (dummy treatment).
In the second study, involving 473 adults with chronic kidney disease who had been on haemodialysis for at least three months, 54% of the patients taking Kapruvia reported an improvement of at least three points on the itchiness scale, compared to 42% of the 236 taking a placebo.
Question
What are the risks associated with Kapruvia?
Answer
The most common side effects with Kapruvia (which may affect up to 1 in 10 people) are sleepiness and paraesthesia (sensations like numbness, tingling, pins and needles). Less common side effects (which may affect up to 1 in 100 people) are dizziness, headache, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, diarrhoea and mental status changes (such as feeling confused). Most of these side effects were mild or moderate.
For the full list of side effects of Kapruvia, see the package leaflet.
Question
Why is Kapruvia authorised in the EU?
Answer
In the clinical trials, Kapruvia was shown to be effective at reducing the feeling of itchiness experienced by patients as a result of their lack of functioning kidneys. In addition, the side effects are considered manageable. Therefore, the European Medicines Agency decided that Kapruvia’s benefits are greater than its risks and it can be authorised for use in the EU.
Question
What measures are being taken to ensure the safe and effective use of Kapruvia?
Answer
Recommendations and precautions to be followed by healthcare professionals and patients for the safe and effective use of Kapruvia have been included in the summary of product characteristics and the package leaflet.
As for all medicines, data on the use of Kapruvia are continuously monitored. Side effects reported with Kapruvia are carefully evaluated and any necessary action taken to protect patients.