Sparsentan

2D illustration of kidneys iStock, Elena Nechaeva William Blair analyst Myles Minter in a Monday note to investors said that Vertex’s povetacicept “has maintained its potential to be a best-in-class asset” in the IgA nephropathy space and could become a “multibillion-dollar pipeline-in-a-drug product” for autoimmune disorders, while “outstanding questions” remain for Biogen’s felzartamab before moving into pivotal studies. At the American Society of Nephrology’s Kidney Week Congress last week, Biogen and Vertex Pharmaceuticals unveiled mid-stage data for their respective IgA nephropathy programs, touting strong clinical efficacy and promising benefits. On Saturday, Biogen presented complete data from the Phase II IGNAZ study showing that its investigational anti-CD38 antibody felzartamab could help stabilize kidney function and reduce proteinuria in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Felzartamab’s treatment effects were also sustained through more than 18 months after the last dose. Biogen noted that felzartamab could sustain an approximately 50% reduction in patients’ urinary protein:creatinine ratios (UPCR) through 24 months of follow-up. Felzartamab also selectively lowered IgA antibody concentrations, whereas IgG and IgM returned to baseline levels after 3 months off-treatment. Overall, these findings suggest that felzartamab can help preserve kidney function in IgAN patients without the need for continuous dosing, according to Biogen. IgAN is a rare autoimmune disease that develops when antibodies attack the kidneys’ glomeruli, leading to inflammation that—when left unchecked—can result in organ damage and compromise its ability to remove waste from the blood. Uptal Patel, head of Development at HI-Bio, said in a statement that the company is “encouraged” by Saturday’s findings. Biogen, which gained ownership of felzartamab from its $1.8 billion acquisition of Hi-Bio in May 2024 , is currently gearing up for the Phase III program of the antibody. Analysts, however, were lukewarm about the readout. While BMO Capital Markets’ Evan Seigerman called IGNAZ’s findings “promising” and a validation of the value of the HI-Bio deal, he said the results were “unlikely to be significantly share moving.” Meanwhile, Jefferies’ Michael Yee wrote in an investor note that the findings were “nice” but Biogen will need to do more business development work in 2025 “to build the pipeline and get investors further engaged.” William Blair analyst Myles Minter in a note to investors said that “there are likely outstanding questions on dosing regimen and reconciling proteinuria reductions with eGFR efficacy to answer prior to moving into pivotal studies.” Vertex also presented IgAN data at ASN , demonstrating that an 80-mg dose of its investigational BAFF/APRIL dual antagonist povetacicept elicited a 66% mean reduction in UPCR at 48 weeks. This effect was associated with stable renal function over the same time frame, as evaluated by estimated glomerular filtration rate. Similar efficacy figures were reported for the 240-mg povetacicept dose. Both dose levels were given subcutaneously every four weeks. Povetacicept was well-tolerated in IgAN, with majority of the adverse events being mild or moderate in severity. There were no serious toxicities reported. Vertex has kicked off the Phase III RAINIER study, a global trial designed to assess the safety and clinical efficacy of 80-mg povetacicept in IgAN. In a separate investor note, Seigerman said that the povetacicept readout “continues to support Vertex’s evolving kidney portfolio” as the company tries to expand its pipeline beyond pain and cystic fibrosis. Friday’s data also “support the product’s potentially best-in-class profile,” Seigerman wrote. Yee in an investor note said that the povetacicept‘s efficacy “continues to look promising vs competitors with its rapid and deep response.” IgAN remains an attractive target for biopharma and in recent months several companies have succeeded in bringing innovative therapies to market. These include Travere’s Filspari, which won full approval last month , and Novartis’ Fabhalta, which the FDA granted accelerated approval in August 2024 . Minter in a note to investors said that although the IgAN space remains competitive, Vertex’s povetacicept “has maintained its potential to be a best-in-class asset” and could become a “multibillion-dollar pipeline-in-a-drug product” for autoimmune disorders.

Nearly 60% of patients with IgAN in the SPARTAN Study achieved complete remission when using FILSPARI as first-line treatment SPARTACUS Study, PROTECT open-label extension, and real-world evidence presentations highlight initial safety and efficacy data of FILSPARI in combination treatment in IgAN Late-breaking presentation demonstrates sparsentan delivered rapid and sustained proteinuria reduction, and long-term kidney health benefits in a subset of patients with genetic, often treatment resistant, FSGS SAN DIEGO, Oct. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Travere Therapeutics, Inc., (Nasdaq: TVTX), presented new data further demonstrating the clinical benefit of FILSPARI (sparsentan) in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and reinforcing its potential in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2024. “The data presented at ASN provided additional evidence that FILSPARI is effective across all subgroups of IgAN patients studied to-date, and that it achieved significant levels of complete remission when used in newly diagnosed patients. We also shared initial data showing that FILSPARI safely induced further proteinuria reduction when used with SGLT2 inhibitors or steroids, supportive of the flexibility to be used in combination with other medicines as needed,” said Jula Inrig, M.D., chief medical officer of Travere Therapeutics. “Furthermore, we shared data exploring a subgroup of genetic FSGS patients in our DUPLEX Study. Genetic FSGS patients are often treatment resistant so the significant reductions in proteinuria and benefit on outcomes reported in this group are very encouraging.” Key Findings from the PROTECT Study Subgroup Analysis of Patients with Proteinuria Above and Below 1 g/g FILSPARI delivered superior proteinuria reduction, and complete proteinuria remission earlier and more frequently compared to irbesartan regardless of baseline UPCR, including those at less than 1.0 g/g. Key Findings from the SPARTAN Study Evaluating FILSPARI as a First-Line Therapy FILSPARI delivered a rapid and sustained reduction in proteinuria of approximately 70% from baseline over 24 weeks in newly diagnosed, RASi-naïve patients, and nearly 60% of patients in the SPARTAN study achieved complete remission of proteinuria at any point in time during the treatment period. Throughout the 24 weeks, estimated glomerular filtration rate was stable. Key Findings from the SPARTACUS Study, PROTECT OLE and Real-World Use Evaluating FILSPARI in Combination Therapy for IgAN Interim data from the SPARTACUS Study demonstrated that FILSPARI, when added to stable SGLT2i, was generally well tolerated. Approximately one-third of patients had their proteinuria reduced by at least 50%, and two-thirds of patients by at least 30% when measured after 24 weeks of treatment.Data from the ongoing PROTECT Study open-label extension and real-world use showed favorable safety and additive efficacy results when SGLT2i or immunosuppressants were combined with foundational FILSPARI treatment. Key Findings from the DUPLEX Study Evaluating Sparsentan in Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis In a late-breaking presentation from the DUPLEX Study in a subset of patients with genetic mutations in podocyte proteins, a high-risk, treatment resistant FSGS, sparsentan delivered a rapid and sustained proteinuria reduction, including some patients who achieved complete remission and long-term kidney health benefits.An analysis of 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. Key Findings from the EPPIK Study Evaluating Sparsentan in Rare Proteinuric Disease in Pediatric Patients Preliminary data from the EPPIK Study showed that children with a range of rare proteinuric glomerular disease treated with sparsentan experienced rapid and robust proteinuria reduction of approximately 50% over 12 weeks. About IgA Nephropathy IgA nephropathy (IgAN), also called Berger's disease, is a rare progressive kidney disease characterized by the buildup of immunoglobulin A (IgA), a protein that helps the body fight infections, in the kidneys. The deposits of IgA cause a breakdown of the normal filtering mechanisms in the kidney, leading to blood in the urine (hematuria), protein in the urine (proteinuria) and a progressive loss of kidney function. Other symptoms of IgAN may include swelling (edema) and high blood pressure. IgAN is the most common type of primary glomerulonephritis worldwide and a leading cause of kidney failure due to glomerular disease. IgAN is estimated to affect up to 150,000 people in the U.S. and is one of the most common glomerular diseases in Europe and Japan. About Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a rare proteinuric kidney disorder in both children and adults that is estimated to affect more than 40,000 patients in the US with similar prevalence in Europe. The disorder is defined by progressive scarring of the kidney and often leads to kidney failure. FSGS is characterized by proteinuria, where protein leaks into the urine due to a breakdown of the normal filtration mechanism in the kidney. Once in the urine, protein is considered to be toxic to other parts of the kidney, especially the tubules, and is believed to contribute to further disease progression. Other common symptoms include swelling in parts of the body, known as edema, as well as low blood albumin levels, abnormal lipid profiles and hypertension. Sparsentan is not approved for use in FSGS. There is currently no approved pharmacologic indicated for the treatment of FSGS. About Travere Therapeutics At Travere Therapeutics, we are in rare for life. We are a biopharmaceutical company that comes together every day to help patients, families and caregivers of all backgrounds as they navigate life with a rare disease. On this path, we know the need for treatment options is urgent – that is why our global team works with the rare disease community to identify, develop and deliver life-changing therapies. In pursuit of this mission, we continuously seek to understand the diverse perspectives of rare patients and to courageously forge new paths to make a difference in their lives and provide hope – today and tomorrow. For more information, visit travere.com FILSPARI® (sparsentan) U.S. Indication FILSPARI (sparsentan) is indicated to slow kidney function decline in adults with primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) who are at risk for disease progression. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION BOXED WARNING: HEPATOTOXICITY AND EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY Because of the risks of hepatotoxicity and birth defects, FILSPARI is available only through a restricted program called the FILSPARI REMS. Under the FILSPARI REMS, prescribers, patients and pharmacies must enroll in the program. Hepatotoxicity Some Endothelin Receptor Antagonists (ERAs) have caused elevations of aminotransferases, hepatotoxicity, and liver failure. In clinical studies, elevations in aminotransferases (ALT or AST) of at least 3-times the Upper Limit of Normal (ULN) have been observed in up to 3.5% of FILSPARI-treated patients, including cases confirmed with rechallenge. Measure transaminases and bilirubin before initiating treatment and monthly for the first 12 months, and then every 3 months during treatment. Interrupt treatment and closely monitor patients who develop aminotransferase elevations more than 3x ULN. FILSPARI should generally be avoided in patients with elevated aminotransferases (>3x ULN) at baseline because monitoring for hepatotoxicity may be more difficult and these patients may be at increased risk for serious hepatotoxicity. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity FILSPARI can cause major birth defects if used by pregnant patients based on animal data. Therefore, pregnancy testing is required before the initiation of treatment, during treatment and one month after discontinuation of treatment with FILSPARI. Patients who can become pregnant must use effective contraception before the initiation of treatment, during treatment, and for one month after discontinuation of treatment with FILSPARI. Contraindications FILSPARI is contraindicated in patients who are pregnant. Do not coadminister FILSPARI with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), ERAs, or aliskiren. Warnings and Precautions Hepatotoxicity: Elevations in ALT or AST of at least 3-fold ULN have been observed in up to 3.5% of FILSPARI-treated patients, including cases confirmed with rechallenge. While no concurrent elevations in bilirubin >2-times ULN or cases of liver failure were observed in FILSPARI-treated patients, some ERAs have caused elevations of aminotransferases, hepatotoxicity, and liver failure. To reduce the risk of potential serious hepatotoxicity, measure serum aminotransferase levels and total bilirubin prior to initiation of treatment and monthly for the first 12 months, then every 3 months during treatment. Advise patients with symptoms suggesting hepatotoxicity (nausea, vomiting, right upper quadrant pain, fatigue, anorexia, jaundice, dark urine, fever, or itching) to immediately stop treatment with FILSPARI and seek medical attention. If aminotransferase levels are abnormal at any time during treatment, interrupt FILSPARI and monitor as recommended. Consider re-initiation of FILSPARI only when hepatic enzyme levels and bilirubin return to pretreatment values and only in patients who have not experienced clinical symptoms of hepatotoxicity. Avoid initiation of FILSPARI in patients with elevated aminotransferases (>3x ULN) prior to drug initiation because monitoring hepatotoxicity in these patients may be more difficult and these patients may be at increased risk for serious hepatotoxicity. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: FILSPARI can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant patient and is contraindicated during pregnancy. Advise patients who can become pregnant of the potential risk to a fetus. Obtain a pregnancy test prior to initiation of treatment with FILSPARI, monthly during treatment, and one month after discontinuation of treatment. Advise patients who can become pregnant to use effective contraception prior to initiation of treatment, during treatment, and for one month after discontinuation of treatment with FILSPARI.FILSPARI REMS: Due to the risk of hepatotoxicity and embryo-fetal toxicity, FILSPARI is available only through a restricted program called the FILSPARI REMS. Prescribers, patients, and pharmacies must be enrolled in the REMS program and comply with all requirements (www.filsparirems.com).Hypotension: Hypotension has been observed in patients treated with ARBs and ERAs. There was a greater incidence of hypotension-associated adverse events, some serious, including dizziness, in patients treated with FILSPARI compared to irbesartan. In patients at risk for hypotension, consider eliminating or adjusting other antihypertensive medications and maintaining appropriate volume status. If hypotension develops, despite elimination or reduction of other antihypertensive medications, consider a dose reduction or dose interruption of FILSPARI. A transient hypotensive response is not a contraindication to further dosing of FILSPARI, which can be given once blood pressure has stabilized.Acute Kidney Injury: Monitor kidney function periodically. Drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) can cause kidney injury. Patients whose kidney function may depend in part on the activity of the RAS (e.g., patients with renal artery stenosis, chronic kidney disease, severe congestive heart failure, or volume depletion) may be at particular risk of developing acute kidney injury on FILSPARI. Consider withholding or discontinuing therapy in patients who develop a clinically significant decrease in kidney function while on FILSPARI.Hyperkalemia: Monitor serum potassium periodically and treat appropriately. Patients with advanced kidney disease, taking concomitant potassium-increasing drugs (e.g., potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics), or using potassium-containing salt substitutes are at increased risk for developing hyperkalemia. Dosage reduction or discontinuation of FILSPARI may be required.Fluid Retention: Fluid retention may occur with ERAs, and has been observed in clinical studies with FILSPARI. FILSPARI has not been evaluated in patients with heart failure. If clinically significant fluid retention develops, evaluate the patient to determine the cause and the potential need to initiate or modify the dose of diuretic treatment then consider modifying the dose of FILSPARI. Most common adverse reactions The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) are hyperkalemia, hypotension (including orthostatic hypotension), peripheral edema, dizziness, anemia, and acute kidney injury. Drug interactions Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) Inhibitors and ERAs: Do not coadminister FILSPARI with ARBs, ERAs, or aliskiren due to increased risks of hypotension, syncope, hyperkalemia, and changes in renal function (including acute renal failure).Strong and Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use of FILSPARI with strong CYP3A inhibitors. If a strong CYP3A inhibitor cannot be avoided, interrupt FILSPARI treatment. When resuming treatment with FILSPARI, consider dose titration. Monitor blood pressure, serum potassium, edema, and kidney function regularly when used concomitantly with moderate CYP3A inhibitors. Concomitant use with a strong CYP3A inhibitor increases sparsentan exposure which may increase the risk of FILSPARI adverse reactions.Strong CYP3A Inducers: Avoid concomitant use with a strong CYP3A inducer. Concomitant use with a strong CYP3A inducer decreases sparsentan exposure which may reduce FILSPARI efficacy.Antacids and Acid Reducing Agents: Administer FILSPARI 2 hours before or after administration of antacids. Avoid concomitant use of acid reducing agents (histamine H2 receptor antagonist and PPI proton pump inhibitor) with FILSPARI. Sparsentan exhibits pH-dependent solubility. Antacids or acid reducing agents may decrease sparsentan exposure which may reduce FILSPARI efficacy.Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents (NSAIDs), Including Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) Inhibitors: Monitor for signs of worsening renal function with concomitant use with NSAIDs (including selective COX-2 inhibitors). In patients with volume depletion (including those on diuretic therapy) or with impaired kidney function, concomitant use of NSAIDs (including selective COX-2 inhibitors) with drugs that antagonize the angiotensin II receptor may result in deterioration of kidney function, including possible kidney failure.CYP2B6, 2C9, and 2C19 Substrates: Monitor for efficacy of concurrently administered CYP2B6, 2C9, and 2C19 substrates and consider dosage adjustment in accordance with the Prescribing Information. Sparsentan decreases exposure of these substrates, which may reduce efficacy related to these substrates.P-gp and BCRP Substrates: Avoid concomitant use of sensitive substrates of P-gp and BCRP with FILSPARI. Sparsentan may increase exposure of these transporter substrates, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions related to these substrates.Agents Increasing Serum Potassium: Monitor serum potassium frequently in patients treated with FILSPARI and other agents that increase serum potassium. Concomitant use of FILSPARI with potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes, or other drugs that raise serum potassium levels may result in hyperkalemia. Please see the full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING, for additional Important Safety Information. Forward Looking StatementsThis press release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Without limiting the foregoing, these statements are often identified by the words “on-track,” “positioned,” “look forward to,” “will,” “would,” “may,” “might,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “potential,” or similar expressions. In addition, expressions of strategies, intentions or plans are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, references to: statement related to the potential for FILSPARI to be used as a first-line treatment for IgAN and the flexibility of FILSPARI to be used in combination with other medicines; statements relating to clinical studies, including but not limited to trial design, results and timing related thereto; and prevalence estimates. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including factors that could delay, divert or change any of them, and could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from current expectations. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements are risks related to the timing and outcome of the studies described herein and uncertainties associated with the regulatory review and approval process, as well as risks and uncertainties associated with enrollment of clinical trials for rare diseases, and risks that ongoing or planned clinical trials may not succeed or may be delayed for safety, regulatory or other reasons. The Company also faces risks related to its business and finances in general, the success of its commercial products and risks and uncertainties associated with its preclinical and clinical stage pipeline. Specifically, the Company faces risks associated with the ongoing commercial launch of FILSPARI, market acceptance of its commercial products including efficacy, safety, price, reimbursement, and benefit over competing therapies, as well as risks associated with the successful development and execution of commercial strategies for such products, including FILSPARI. The risks and uncertainties the Company faces with respect to its preclinical and clinical stage pipeline include risk that the Company’s clinical candidates will not be found to be safe or effective and that current or anticipated future clinical trials will not proceed as planned. There is no guarantee that regulators will grant approval of sparsentan for FSGS. The Company also faces the risk that it will be unable to raise additional funding that may be required to complete development of any or all of its product candidates, including as a result of macroeconomic conditions; risks relating to the Company’s dependence on contractors for clinical drug supply and commercial manufacturing; uncertainties relating to patent protection and exclusivity periods and intellectual property rights of third parties; risks associated with regulatory interactions; and risks and uncertainties relating to competitive products, including current and potential future generic competition with certain of the Company’s products, and technological changes that may limit demand for the Company’s products. The Company also faces additional risks associated with global and macroeconomic conditions, including health epidemics and pandemics, including risks related to potential disruptions to clinical trials, commercialization activity, supply chain, and manufacturing operations. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond our control. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Investors are referred to the full discussion of risks and uncertainties, including under the heading “Risk Factors”, as included in the Company’s most recent Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Contact Info Media:888-969-7879mediarelations@travere.comInvestors:888-969-7879IR@travere.com