OPK88002

OPK88002 is a small molecule neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist being developed by OPKO Health for the treatment of uremic pruritus (severe itching) in patients with Stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing dialysis. The drug was originally acquired from Schering-Plough as part of a transaction that also included rolapitant. By targeting the NK-1 receptor, OPK88002 aims to inhibit the activity of substance P, a neuropeptide that plays a key role in the transmission of itch signals and the mediation of inflammatory responses. As of 2018, the compound was in Phase 2a clinical development, addressing a significant unmet medical need for the approximately 50% of dialysis patients who suffer from pruritus that is often refractory to existing treatments.