What is Difelikefalin?
The short answer
Difelikefalin is a peptide, a short chain of amino acids. In the US, you need a prescription to get Difelikefalin.
- 1 source
- Status as of
- How we source
- Ellum doesn't sell peptides.
Get updates on Difelikefalin
What it is
- Type
- Peripheral kappa-opioid agonist (peptide)
- Also known as
- korsuva
Regulatory status
FDA-approved (Rx) How we label status
As of October 4, 2026, Difelikefalin is an FDA-approved prescription drug for moderate-to-severe pruritus with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis.
- Federal (FDA)
- Approved Rx (Korsuva NDA214916, 2021)
- 503A compounding
- Approved-drug component (not in any 503A category) (as of May 14, 2026)
References
Sources as of October 4, 2026