| abstract |
The present invention is based on the discovery that a nalmefene salt or a peripherally acting analogue of nalmefene is capable of providing long-acting activity against pruritus, when applied topically. In addition, treatment with a nalmefene salt or peripherally acting analogue of nalmefene, can provide disease-modifying effects against the chronic symptoms of atopic dermatitis, including reductions of inflammatory cell infiltrate into the skin, epidermal hyperplasia and trans-epidermal water loss. Compositions of the invention have an inhibitory effect on the itch-scratch-cycle, leading to both relief of pruritus and disease-modifying activity. |