Travere Therapeutics launched a new campaign called “Play It Forward” to honor and uplift individuals affected by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) on the first-ever FSGS Awareness Day on June 10.
The initiative is a celebration of strength, creativity and community among those living with the rare kidney disorder, and aims to build greater awareness around the challenges and needs of this underrepresented patient population.
At the heart of the campaign is an original anthem titled “Feel So Good Song,” co-created by Grammy-winning producer Brian Kennedy and singer-songwriter and patient advocate David Rush.
Both Kennedy and Rush live with FSGS and have experienced its life-altering impact firsthand. The anthem is a message of resilience, hope and unity for others navigating the disease.
The song is accompanied by testimonial videos from both artists and invites others in the FSGS community to “play it forward” by sharing their own personal stories through creative expressions on social media with the track — whether through music, visual art, dance or storytelling. The campaign encourages people to highlight the community’s talents and share the inspiring stories of those thriving beyond the challenges of FSGS.
Using the hashtag #PlayItForwardFSGS, participants can contribute to a growing movement of visibility and connection for a disease that is often overlooked in mainstream conversations.
To join the movement or learn more about how to participate, visit and follow the hashtag #PlayItForwardFSGS on social media.
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Filmmaker Destyn Fuller Hope, who also lives with FSGS, directed a short film capturing the making of the campaign’s anthem. The three-minute piece follows Rush and Kennedy in the studio, reflecting on how FSGS has shaped their lives.
“When I received my FSGS diagnosis, it felt like the volume of my life was suddenly turned down. My studio became my sanctuary,” said Kennedy. “I’m proud to play it forward with music that helps others hear their own strength. Together, we’re translating the invisible struggle of FSGS into creative expressions that everyone can witness, creating a soundtrack for solidarity.”
Rush shares that after his diagnosis, he thought his life was over — spending roughly 180 days in a dialysis chair and logging more than 600 hours in treatment within a year.
“Every FSGS story has the power to make a meaningful difference in someone else’s life,” said Rush. “While living with FSGS may try to dim my light, my music replenishes my spirit — that’s how I play it forward for others fighting FSGS. This campaign provides a platform for patients and their loved ones to share experiences that offer hope, guidance and inspiration to others facing similar challenges.”
FSGS is a chronic, progressive kidney disease characterized by scarring in the kidneys’ filtering units, the glomeruli. It can lead to nephrotic syndrome, loss of kidney function and ultimately, end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or transplant.
FSGS affects an estimated 40,000 people in the US and many more globally. It can affect people of all age groups and backgrounds, including children, and disproportionately impacts certain racial and ethnic groups, such as Black and Hispanic individuals.
Currently, there are no FDA-approved pharmacologic treatments for FSGS, making support, awareness and advocacy crucial for improving outcomes.
Dr. Jula Inrig, chief medical officer at Travere Therapeutics, emphasized the importance of centering patient voices: “Obstacles impede every step of the patient journey — from diagnostic hurdles to an often-aggressive progression to kidney failure. We are proud to support the FSGS community in amplifying individual expressions of life and courage, and we’re committed to transforming the challenges of FSGS into pathways of hope and healing.”
The “Play it Forward” campaign comes ahead of Travere’s FDA filing of Filspari (sparsentan) for FSGS last month, with a decision expected by mid-January 2026. The “Play It Forward” campaign is part of Travere’s larger strategy to prepare for the potential launch of Filspari (sparsentanin) FSGS.
While Travere could be poised to secure the first FDA approval for an FSGS treatment, there may be another contender on the horizon. Last month, Amicus Therapeutics acquired the US rights to Dimerix’s Phase III FSGS candidate, DMX-200, in a $30 million deal.
During an earnings call last month, Travere’s chief commercial officer Peter Heerma noted that the company is in the early phases of expanding its commercial team and leveraging the infrastructure already in place for Filspari’s rollout in IgaN. This foundation, he said, is expected to enable a swift launch should the drug receive approval for FSGS.
The dual endothelin angiotensin receptor antagonist first received FDA approval in 2023 for IgA nephropathy (IgAN).
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