Travere and National Kidney Foundation Collaboration
Life as a Nephrology Professional – Milestones in IgAN & FSGS: Advancing Understanding and Possibilities
Travere and the National Kidney Foundation have collaborated on an episode of Life as a Nephrology Professional.
In this episode, host Dr. Osama El Shamy and guests Dr. Anna Gaddy, PA Elisha Shelton, and Patient Advocate Michael Phillips discuss
the pathophysiology of IgA nephropathy and FSGS, recent advancements in IgA nephropathy and FSGS clinical trials, and the patient experience in FSGS.
Osama El Shamy, MD, FASN, FNKF - is the Medical Director at the DaVita Southeast dialysis unit in Washington DC, Associate Nephrology Fellowship Program Director, and Director of the ESRD service at George Washington University Hospital.
Anna Gaddy, MD, FASN, FNKF - is a nephrologist and educator at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
Elisha Shelton, MPAS, MS-CRM, PA-C - is a physician assistant at the Texas Kidney Institute.
Michael Phillips - is a patient advocate and National Kidney Advocacy Committee Member.
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Episode Summary
“I think understanding the pathophysiology of IgA nephropathy has been quintessential in identifying potential targets for treatments, for treatment strategies, as well as opening doors for more clinical trials and options of potential therapies.” (7:14)
“I don’t know that it’s a whole lot different than IgA used to be 20 years ago when we didn’t know as much. But I think the huge difference right now is that we don’t know a ton about FSGS and we don’t have lots of ways to treat it because we don’t know what causes it. And so how can you know how to help if you don’t know what caused it?” (18:55)
“I didn’t ever expect to have a transplant or organ transplant. I couldn’t process that because it was…it was overwhelming for a while. It was just…it was a challenging part of my life.” (31:55)
- Pathophysiology of IgA nephropathy and FSGS – Understanding the pathophysiology of IgA nephropathy and FSGS has been paramount in identifying treatment targets. Research in IgA nephropathy is further along, but we hope to see more data emerge on FSGS in the coming years.
- Recent advancements in IgA nephropathy and FSGS clinical trials – With the FDA approval of treatments for IgA nephropathy and recent work from PARASOL for FSGS, the treatment landscape for rare kidney diseases is evolving.
- Michael’s journey with FSGS – Michael’s journey with FSGS has been challenging but he persevered, all while sharing his experience with others along the way. Michael highlights that as a patient, you must be your own advocate and continue pursuing treatment.
Disclaimer: The opinions presented are those of the individual panelists and not those of Travere Therapeutics or the National Kidney Foundation.
MA-DS-25-0018 | May 2025