Title:  Intro to FSGS

Episode Description: In this episode of the Rare Kidney Disease Show, Howard Trachtman, Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Michigan, and Chris Gisler, medical director at Travere Therapeutics, explore the complexities of FSGS, covering its pathophysiology, classifications, and clinical presentation. They discuss key drivers of kidney failure, challenges in diagnosis and management, and the unmet need for safe and effective treatments. Listeners will gain insights into the patient journey, role of precision medicine, disease heterogeneity, and the future of clinical trial design. The episode concludes with how PARASOL is shaping advancements in FSGS research and clinical trials.

Key Takeaways:

• Evolving Classification of FSGS – Once defined primarily by histopathology, FSGS is now recognized as a heterogeneous disorder with distinct genetic, immune, and metabolic etiologies. This shift has critical implications for diagnosis and treatment.
• FSGS and the Role of Podocyte Injury – Podocyte loss is a key driver of FSGS progression, with genetic, immune, and metabolic insults leading to irreversible damage. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
• Challenges in Treatment and Therapeutic Gaps – Current treatment strategies rely on empiric use of steroids and calcineurin inhibitors, with variable efficacy and significant side effects. A more targeted approach is needed to improve patient outcomes.

Speakers: 

• Howard Trachtman is the Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Michigan.
• Chris Gisler is a medical director at Travere Therapeutics and a former community nephrologist practicing in Pittsburgh.