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FILSPARI® (sparsentan) for IgAN
Sparsentan is an oral medication used to protect the kidneys in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and certain types of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).
In IgAN, sparsentan is used to lower the amount of protein leaking into the urine. Sparsentan can help to slow the loss of kidney function in people who are at risk of worsening kidney disease. Sparsentan is FDA approved for the treatment of IgAN in adults ages 18 and up.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Miriam Chung, MD
How Does FILSPARI® Work?
Sparsentan does not suppress the body’s immune system.
It works by blocking two signals in the body called endothelin and angiotensin II. These signals are involved in controlling blood pressure and can cause chronic damage to the kidney filters. Blocking these signals can help to reduce damage to the kidney’s filters.
How is the medication administered?
It is a once-a-day tablet taken orally.
Is the medication right for me?
You should talk to your nephrologist to see if sparsentan is right for you. Sparsentan may not be right for you in certain cases. For example, sparsentan should NOT be taken if you’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant, as it can cause serious birth defects.
*Note: The decision to prescribe a medication is the responsibility of your physician/primary care provider based on his/her evaluation of your condition. The above is meant for informational purposes only. Discuss this information and all information about drugs/medications with your physician before starting or stopping any medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
The PROTECT trial showed sparsentan lowered urine protein by about 40% compared with irbesartan, over 2 years of treatment. Patients taking sparsentan also had a slower rate of kidney function loss (or eGFR decrease), but the biggest difference was in urine protein.
Sparsentan is not an immuno-suppressive medication. Other medications used in IgAN such as ACE-inhibitors (ACEi) or Angiotensin-receptor-blockers (ARB) also interfere with angiotensin II; so it is important to stop ACEi or ARB if taking sparsentan.
There are other medications that are FDA approved for IgAN. All are for adults ages 18+.
FDA-approved medications for IgAN that do not suppress the immune system:
- Vanrafia (atrasentan) – also works on the endothelin signal and is taken by mouth
FDA-approved medications for IgAN that work by suppressing the immune system:
- VOYXACT (sibeprenlimab) and TRUTAKNA (atacicept) – taken by home injection
- FABHALTA (iptacopan) and TARPEYO (targeted-release budesonide) – taken tablets by mouth
Sparsentan should NOT be taken if you’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant, as can cause serious birth defects. You will also need a blood test to monitor liver function before and regularly during treatment. Because of these risks, sparsentan is only available through a special program called REMS. REMS stands for Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy. This safety program helps your care team monitor your treatment progress and any potential side effects, while making sure the benefits to protecting your kidneys outweigh any potential risks.
*Note: The decision to prescribe a medication is the responsibility of your physician/medical team based on their evaluation of your condition. The above is meant for informational purposes only. Discuss this information and all information about drugs/medications with your physician before starting or stopping any medication.
Sparsentan is not an immuno-suppressive medication. Other medications used to treat IgAN may work by suppressing the immune system.
There are also other medications used to treat IgAN that work to manage signals involved in blood pressure and inflammation, such as ACE-inhibitors (ACEi) or Angiotensin-receptor-blockers (ARB). Like sparsentan, ACEi and ARB interfere with angiotensin II, so it is important to stop ACEi or ARB if taking sparsentan.
Sparsentan can be ordered by your nephrologist, and is only available through the FILSPARI REMS program.
