Overview
The Liposorber LA-15 System is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a humanitarian use device (HUD). It is used for adults and children with nephrotic syndrome (a condition causing protein loss in urine) related to primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare kidney disease. This treatment is for people who have not gotten better with corticosteroids (medications that reduce inflammation) or calcineurin inhibitors (immune-suppressing drugs) or cannot tolerate these treatments. To qualify, a person needs a certain level of kidney function, measured by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), or must have had a kidney transplant. While it is not yet proven how well this system works for FSGS, it provides a treatment option when other methods fail.

The Liposorber LA-15 System uses a process called low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis, which filters LDL-cholesterol ("bad cholesterol") and other substances from the plasma (the liquid part of blood). These substances may cause inflammation and harm the kidneys in FSGS. Although it’s unclear exactly how this system helps, studies show it may lower protein in the urine and support kidney function.

How does treatment work?
Treatment is done through a process called apheresis, which filters blood in a clinical setting. During this procedure, blood is taken out of the body, and the plasma (the liquid part of the blood) is separated and cleaned using special filters called adsorption columns. The cleaned plasma is then returned to the body. For FSGS treatment, the recommended schedule includes twice-weekly sessions for the first three weeks and weekly sessions for an additional six weeks. Patients should follow all instructions provided by their health care team and ensure the device is used under the supervision of appropriately trained professionals​​.

Side effects
Common side effects of Liposorber treatment include hypotension (low blood pressure), nausea and vomiting, flushing or blotching of the skin, lightheadedness, and fatigue or dizziness during the procedure.

Rare but serious side effects may include severe allergic reactions (especially in those taking ACE inhibitors), anemia (low red blood cell count), thrombocytopenia (low platelet levels), catheter-related complications, such as infection or vascular issues, and cardiac events, including arrhythmias or chest pain.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Liposerber LA-15 — Kaneka

Liposorber LA-15 System — U.S. Pharmacist