Cara Therapeutics, Inc. is an early-stage biopharmaceutical firm operating primarily within the United States. Its core business involves discovering and commercializing novel drug compounds, with a particular emphasis on addressing itching (pruritus) and pain by selectively modulating kappa opioid receptors. The company's therapeutic pipeline includes potential medicines designed to interact with the body's peripheral nervous system and immune cells. KORSUVA (difelikefalin), an injectable formulation, stands as their flagship product. It is approved for treating moderate-to-severe pruritus linked to chronic kidney disease in adult patients undergoing hemodialysis. Additionally, Cara Therapeutics is advancing an oral version of KORSUVA (difelikefalin) through its pipeline. This oral candidate has successfully completed Phase II clinical trials for relieving pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis and chronic kidney disease not requiring dialysis (NDD-CKD). It is also currently undergoing Phase II evaluation for pruritus related to chronic liver disease (specifically primary biliary cholangitis) and for notalgia paresthetica. The company has established international licensing agreements: one with Maruishi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd for the development, production, and commercialization of difelikefalin-containing products targeting acute pain and uremic pruritus in Japan, and another with Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corporation for similar activities concerning difelikefalin products in South Korea. Cara Therapeutics, Inc. was established in 2004 and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.