Instructions for patients when purchasing drugs: What is sparsentan/sparsentan and what are its indications?

Sparsentan is an endothelin and angiotensin II receptor antagonist indicated to slow the decline in kidney function in adults with primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) who are at risk for disease progression.

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a rare kidney disease characterized by the accumulation of immunoglobulin a (IgA) in the kidneys. The deposition of IgA in the kidneys can cause the normal filtration mechanism to break down, 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 reduces proteinuria in IgAN by selectively targeting the endothelin a receptor (ETAR) and angiotensin II subtype 1 receptor (AT1R). Blockade of the endothelin type A and angiotensin II type 1 pathways limits the progression of IgA nephropathy by reducing proteinuria, protecting podocytes, and preventing glomerulosclerosis and mesangial cell proliferation.

Sparsentane is mainly available in the form of tablets of 200 mg and 400 mg, which need to be taken orally once a day under the guidance of a doctor. Common adverse reactions include peripheral edema, hypotension (including orthostatic hypotension), dizziness, hyperkalemia, and anemia. Warnings and precautions associated with it include hepatotoxicity, embryo-fetal toxicity, hypotension, acute kidney injury, hyperkalemia, and fluid retention.

It is understood that spaxentan is currently only available through a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Original drugs and generic drugs are already on the market for sale overseas. Their ingredients and specifications are basically the same. The price of the original version may be more than 10,000 US dollars, and the price of the generic version may be several thousand RMB. This price will also fluctuate due to exchange rates and other factors.