Summary
Cara Therapeutics, Inc., an early commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on developing and commercializing chemical entities with a primary focus on pruritus and pain by selectively targeting kappa opioid receptors in the United States. The company is developing product candidates that target the body's peripheral nervous system and immune cells. The company's lead product is KORSUVA (difelikefalin) injection for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults undergoing hemodialysis. Its product candidate includes Oral KORSUVA (difelikefalin), which has completed Phase II clinical trial to treat pruritus atopic dermatitis and pruritus non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (NDD-CKD) associated pruritus; and in Phase II clinical trial to treat pruritus chronic liver disease (CLD) primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and notalgia paresthetica. The company has license agreements with Maruishi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd to develop, manufacture, and commercialize drug products containing difelikefalin for acute pain and uremic pruritus in Japan; and Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corporation to develop, manufacture, and commercialize drug products containing difelikefalin in South Korea. Cara Therapeutics, Inc. was incorporated in 2004 and is based in Stamford, Connecticut.
History
Cara Therapeutics was founded in 2004. The company is focused on developing novel therapeutics to treat pain and pruritus, with a focus on targeting the kappa opioid receptor system. Over the years, Cara has recruited a strong team of scientists and has received multiple grants, contracts and investments. It has discovered two late-stage drug candidates, I.V. CR845 and Oral CR845, that are currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials.
Mission
Our mission is to develop and commercialize novel therapeutics that provide meaningful benefit to a wide range of patients, while building sustainable value for our shareholders.
Vision
Our vision is to develop and commercialize novel therapeutics which provide safe and effective relief from painful and pruritic conditions. We strive to maximize the value of our products for both patients and shareholders.
Key Team
Mr. Scott M. Terrillion (Chief Compliance Officer, Gen. Counsel & Corp. Sec.)
Dr. Joana Goncalves (Chief Medical Officer)
Mr. Ryan D. Maynard (Chief Financial Officer)
Dr. Iris Francesconi Ph.D. (Chief Strategy Officer & Head of Investor Relations)
Mr. Eric Vandal (Sr. VP of Commercial)
Ms. Beth Weinberg (Sr. VP of Regulatory Affairs & QA)
Recognition and Awards
Cara has been recognized for its work in the field of biopharmaceuticals with numerous awards, including the 2016 Technology Pioneer from the World Economic Forum, the Technology Fast 500 from Deloitte, the Prix Galien USA 2016 for Best Biotechnology Product, and the FierceBiotech Fierce 15 Award.
References
United States 