Travere Therapeutics presented new data at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2024, reinforcing the clinical benefits of FILSPARI (sparsentan) in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and highlighting its potential in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The data suggest that FILSPARI is effective across all studied IgAN subgroups and shows promise in treatment-resistant FSGS patients.
FILSPARI as First-Line Therapy in IgAN
The SPARTAN study revealed that FILSPARI, when used as a first-line therapy in newly diagnosed, RASi-naïve IgAN patients, led to a rapid and sustained proteinuria reduction of approximately 70% from baseline over 24 weeks. Notably, nearly 60% of patients achieved complete remission of proteinuria during the treatment period, with stable estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) throughout the study.
Combination Therapy with FILSPARI
Interim data from the SPARTACUS study indicated that FILSPARI, when added to stable SGLT2i therapy, was generally well-tolerated. Approximately one-third of patients experienced at least a 50% reduction in proteinuria, and two-thirds had at least a 30% reduction after 24 weeks of treatment. Data from the PROTECT study's open-label extension and real-world use further supported the favorable safety and additive efficacy of combining SGLT2i or immunosuppressants with FILSPARI.
Sparsentan in Genetic FSGS
A late-breaking presentation from the DUPLEX study focused on a subset of patients with genetic mutations in podocyte proteins, a high-risk, treatment-resistant form of FSGS. Sparsentan delivered rapid and sustained proteinuria reduction in these patients, with some achieving complete remission and experiencing long-term kidney health benefits. Additionally, patient-reported outcomes from 306 adult patients in the DUPLEX Study showed that health-related quality of life for these patients with FSGS on sparsentan was stable over the two-year treatment period, and that patients' burden of kidney disease was improved compared to those receiving irbesartan.
EPPIK Study in Pediatric Patients
Preliminary data from the EPPIK study demonstrated that children with various rare proteinuric glomerular diseases treated with sparsentan experienced a rapid and robust proteinuria reduction of approximately 50% over 12 weeks.
About IgAN and FSGS
IgAN, also known as Berger's disease, is a rare progressive kidney disease affecting up to 150,000 people in the U.S. It is characterized by the buildup of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the kidneys, leading to impaired kidney function. FSGS is another rare proteinuric kidney disorder affecting more than 40,000 patients in the U.S. and Europe, characterized by progressive scarring of the kidney and often leading to kidney failure.
FILSPARI Safety Information
FILSPARI carries a boxed warning for hepatotoxicity and embryo-fetal toxicity and is available only through a restricted program called the FILSPARI REMS. Regular monitoring of liver function is required, and the drug is contraindicated in pregnant patients. Common adverse reactions include hyperkalemia, hypotension, peripheral edema, dizziness, anemia, and acute kidney injury.
