Itching, akin to pain, is a normal human response to stimuli, signifying a desire to scratch. However, chronic itching, persisting for over six weeks, can detrimentally impact the quality of life, affecting emotions, sleep, and interpersonal relationships.
Topical TRPV1 antipruritic compounds
Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1), a vanilloid receptor, is one of the TRP channels. It activates in response to heat, capsaicin, and acids, and is distributed in sensory neurons, keratinocytes, and sebocytes.
Particularly, it is believed that IL-31, a representative inflammatory marker in atopic dermatitis, induces itching through the TRPV1 channel. Therefore, medications targeting TRPV1 are being developed to alleviate itching.
The first orally administered drug was discontinued due to severe hyperthermia, leading to a preference for products that locally block TRPV1.
Among these, Asivatrep is the most anticipated local TRPV1 antagonist. During clinical trials, no safety issues were encountered. When a 1% cream was applied for eight weeks on patients with atopic dermatitis, both the patients and observers reported a statistically significant reduction in itching.
Itching can be quite bothersome, and in chronic cases, it can cause significant discomfort. Antihistamines are typically used to control itching, and if dryness is the cause, it is advised to apply a generous amount of moisturizer.