AV104

AV104 is a proprietary buccal film formulation of the opioid receptor modulator nalmefene being developed by Avior Bio for the treatment of chronic pruritus associated with cholestatic liver disease and other pruritogenic inflammatory conditions. The product embeds nalmefene into a thin transdermal buccal film that adheres to the inside of the mouth, enabling transmucosal delivery and potentially improved tolerability in patients with liver dysfunction.[9][11] Nalmefene in this context exerts a dual mechanism of action by modulating both µ-opioid and κ-opioid receptors implicated in central and peripheral itch circuitry, while also inhibiting interleukin‑17 (IL‑17) inflammatory cytokine expression to reduce pruritogenic inflammation.[9] AV104 is being investigated as a convenient, noninvasive therapy for chronic cholestatic pruritus and has potential expansion into other liver-related and non–liver-related pruritic disorders.[9][13]