RODRIGO SOUZA
Biocatalysis and Organic Synthesis Group, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazils

Sparsentan (Filspari) is an endothelin and angiotensin II receptor antagonist indicated to reduce proteinuria in adults with primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy. IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a rare kidney disorder characterized by the buildup of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the kidneys. Deposits of IgA in the kidneys cause a breakdown of the normal filtering mechanisms, leading to proteinuria and hematuria. Other symptoms may include kidney pain, edema, and high blood pressure. Sparsentan is a Dual Endothelin Angiotensin Receptor Antagonist (DEARA) that works to reduce proteinuria in IgAN by selectively targeting the endothelin A receptor (ETAR) and the angiotensin II subtype 1 receptor (AT1R). Blockade of the endothelin type A and angiotensin II type 1 pathways limits IgA nephropathy progression by reducing proteinuria, protecting podocytes, and preventing glomerulosclerosis and mesangial cell proliferation. FDA approval was granted to Travere Pharmaceuticals. The company was once called Retrophin but rebranded in 2020 to free itself from any ties with its founder, the “pharma bro” Martin Shkreli. As for Sparsentan, the drug has changed hands many times. It was originally deve ...