New treatment for IgA nephropathy (IgAN) in Scotland

We are pleased to share that adults living in Scotland who have IgA nephropathy (IgAN) will now, in certain circumstances, be able to access a new treatment on the NHS following a decision made today by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC).

Kidney Care UK submitted evidence to the SMC of what sparsentan (Filspari®) might mean to people with IgAN. This decision means that individuals whose treatment for IgAN has not responded adequately to current standard care may now be considered for this treatment.

Kidney Care UK welcome this decision and the availability of a new treatment for IgAN, for which there are very limited treatment options, in Scotland.

For some this drug will be a gateway to a transplant; managing the disease will enable them to receive a kidney but also to potentially prevent its recurrence in a transplanted kidney, thus providing some physical and mental health relief. A big thank you to everyone who gives us their comments and helps us bring forward why and how new treatments can improve our lives. You are making a difference.
Fiona Loud, Policy Director, Kidney Care UK

We recommend speaking with your doctor if you would like to know more about whether the treatment might be right for you, once it becomes available.

Find out more about IgAN

IgA nephropathy is a rare kidney condition affecting around 1 in 50,000 people in the UK. It is one of the most common causes of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.
Read more

Hear from people living with IgAN

  • Haemodialysis, Kidney failure, Peritoneal dialysis

    Shaun's story: living with IgAN

    Shaun was working on his motorbikes when his doctor diagnosed him with a rare kidney disease. Now Shaun receives haemodialysis treatment and is back working on his bikes.

  • Kidney conditions, Kidney failure, Transplant

    Ben's story: living with IgAN

    After his kidney function deteriorated, Ben's cousin Matt donated a kidney to him. Ben discusses life after transplantation as well as the impact that kidney disease has had on his mental health.

  • Haemodialysis, Rare renal, Transplant

    Sally and Rik's story: living with IgAN

    For Rik and Sally, IgAN meant vomiting, exhaustion, and dialysis. Now, 30 years after Rik’s kidney transplant, they are travelling the world, from the Lake District to Chile.