A medication to treat persistent itching from chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

CSL Seqirus’s Korsuva (difelikefalin) was listed earlier this month in a move described as an important milestone for treating CKD-associated itch.

Korsuva is the first approved treatment available on the PBS for the moderate to severe itch, called pruritus, associated with CKD for adults undergoing dialysis.

Professor Carol Pollock AO, nephrologist and Chair of Kidney Health Australia, said pruritus is a relentless itch. The condition often leads to sleep disturbances, depression and decreased mental and physical functioning.  It has been associated with missed dialysis sessions, higher rates of hospitalisation, and increased deaths.

“Up until this point, we have had very few options to help manage this condition,” Prof Pollock said.

“The PBS listing of Korsuva is welcome news as it means people whose quality of life is impacted by moderate-to-severe symptoms have a specific and accessible option to help reduce the burden of this condition,” she said.

“CKD-associated itch is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. With the burden of chronic kidney disease remaining high in Australia, it is important we do what we can to improve quality of life for people living with associated conditions.”

A kidney report released by Diabetes Australia, “Saving Lives by Better Detecting Diabetes-Related Kidney Disease”, shows that more than 10,200 Australians living with diabetes are undergoing kidney replacement therapy, including dialysis, each year. About a quarter of all Australians living with diabetes also live with kidney disease.