SK Chemical launches water-free oral treatment for itching in hemodialysis patients

Lemit Oral Disintegrating Tablet 2.5㎍

[Asia Economy Reporter Myunghwan Lee] SK Chemicals announced on the 16th that it has launched 'Remitch Oral Disintegrating Tablets' 2.5㎍, a tablet form of Remitch, a treatment for 'refractory pruritus (itching)' in hemodialysis patients, which can be taken without water.

Remitch is a drug that can treat refractory itching in hemodialysis patients. It is the only refractory pruritus treatment drug in Korea, introduced by SK Chemicals from Japan's Toray in 2016 in the form of soft capsules.

The number of hemodialysis patients in Korea is gradually increasing, and it is known that more than 35% of hemodialysis patients experience pruritus. Among them, patients with refractory pruritus suffer severe pain.

SK Chemicals explained that Remitch Oral Disintegrating Tablets dissolve quickly in saliva without water, making them useful for elderly patients who have difficulty swallowing pills or patients with restricted fluid intake.

Hemodialysis patients with impaired kidney function must remove most of the accumulated fluid in their bodies through hemodialysis, so their water intake is limited. SK Chemicals emphasized that since no water intake is required, it can improve medication convenience for hemodialysis patients.

Hyunseon Park, Head of Pharma Planning at SK Chemicals, said, "Patients undergoing hemodialysis are already suffering from numerous refractory diseases," adding, "We hope that the launch of Remitch Oral Disintegrating Tablets will help reduce the suffering of patients suffering from refractory pruritus and improve their quality of life."