When the world tunes in for the Super Bowl, it’s not just touchdowns and halftime shows that grab the spotlight. This year, the 2026 Super Bowl delivered a different kind of message during its third quarter: a call to action for millions of Americans at risk for chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular events. The ad, titled "Mission: SOS," starred Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer and beloved actress Sofía Vergara as two futuristic agents on a mission—not to save the world from villains, but to spread life-saving health information.
The commercial, produced by Boehringer Ingelheim in partnership with dna Communications, was anything but ordinary. It opened with Spencer and Vergara briefing each other on the importance of a routine screening called uACR (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio), a simple urine test that can uncover early signs of kidney damage and flag increased risks for heart attacks or strokes. With half of Americans living with high blood pressure and one in ten coping with diabetes, the stakes couldn’t be higher. According to USA TODAY, the ad was specifically crafted to reach those millions who might not realize their kidneys could be sending out a silent SOS.
The spot’s narrative took a playful turn as Spencer, standing atop a helipad and holding a flare, watched as its red smoke formed the shape of a heart—a visual metaphor for the campaign’s mission. The two actresses then made a daring escape in a helicopter, with Vergara gleefully grabbing the controls and exclaiming, "I just got my permit!" as Spencer clung on with mock terror. The lighthearted moment underscored a serious message: get screened, and do it before it’s too late.
Both stars brought a deeply personal touch to the campaign. Spencer, who has lived with type 2 diabetes for about two decades and also has high blood pressure, spoke candidly about her own health journey. In a statement released by Boehringer Ingelheim and echoed in multiple outlets, Spencer explained, "I’ve lived with type 2 diabetes for about two decades and I also have high blood pressure, so I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to manage these conditions every day. People may not understand what their kidneys do, let alone that they might be sending an SOS for increased heart risk. When I learned that a simple urine test called a uACR can help detect kidney damage, I got screened right away and I urge others at risk to do the same."
Vergara, too, has a personal stake in the cause. Her mother has high blood pressure, and through that experience, Vergara has learned the value of awareness and self-advocacy. She shared, "Through the journey with my mom, I quickly learned that knowledge is power. Detect The SOS feels so important because it offers the information that those at risk need to advocate for themselves and their loved ones."
The "Mission: SOS" campaign is more than a clever Super Bowl ad. It’s part of a larger effort by Boehringer Ingelheim, who have joined forces with the Detect The SOS Collective. This coalition includes the American Diabetes Association, National Kidney Foundation, WomenHeart, and The Mended Hearts, Inc.—organizations that have long been at the forefront of patient advocacy and education. Their shared goal is to raise awareness about the uACR screening and encourage those at risk to take action.
The timing of this campaign couldn’t be more critical. Chronic kidney disease is often called a "silent killer" because symptoms may not appear until the disease is advanced. According to the National Kidney Foundation, millions of Americans have kidney disease and don’t even know it. High blood pressure and diabetes—two of the most common chronic conditions in the U.S.—are leading risk factors for kidney damage. Early detection through a uACR test can make all the difference, allowing patients and doctors to intervene before irreversible damage occurs.
It’s not every day that a Super Bowl ad tackles such a serious health issue, but the platform offers unparalleled reach. According to Boehringer Ingelheim, the decision to air "Mission: SOS" during the third quarter was strategic, aiming to capture the attention of viewers when engagement is at its peak. The company isn’t alone in leveraging the Super Bowl’s massive audience; fellow pharmaceutical giants Novo Nordisk, Novartis, and Eli Lilly also aired ads during the game, signaling a broader industry trend toward public health messaging during major televised events.
But what makes "Mission: SOS" stand out isn’t just its celebrity cast or its cinematic flair. It’s the blend of humor, heart, and urgency that makes the message stick. By casting Spencer and Vergara as futuristic agents, the ad manages to cut through the noise of typical medical warnings and reach viewers in a way that feels both entertaining and empowering. The campaign’s tagline—Detect The SOS—serves as a reminder that sometimes, our bodies are trying to tell us something important, and it’s up to us to listen.
The impact of such a campaign can be hard to measure in the short term, but health advocates are hopeful. By encouraging at-risk individuals to ask their doctors about the uACR test, the campaign aims to spark conversations that could lead to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes. The involvement of organizations like the American Diabetes Association and National Kidney Foundation further amplifies the message, providing resources and support for those who want to learn more.
Of course, not everyone watching the Super Bowl is at risk for kidney disease or heart problems, but the campaign’s reach extends beyond just those individuals. Family members, friends, and caregivers—anyone who loves someone with high blood pressure or diabetes—are part of the intended audience. As Vergara put it, "Detect The SOS feels so important because it offers the information that those at risk need to advocate for themselves and their loved ones." It’s a sentiment that resonates across generations and communities.
For Spencer and Vergara, lending their voices to the campaign is more than just another acting gig. It’s a chance to make a real difference. Spencer’s candidness about her own health challenges and Vergara’s advocacy for her mother’s well-being add authenticity to the message. Their willingness to share personal stories helps break down stigma and encourages others to take proactive steps toward better health.
As the final seconds of the "Mission: SOS" commercial faded from the screen, viewers were left with a simple but powerful takeaway: sometimes, saving lives starts with a conversation and a routine test. In a sea of flashy ads and celebrity cameos, this Super Bowl moment stood out for its heart—and its call to action. For millions of Americans, it might just be the nudge they need to ask their doctor about a uACR screening and start listening for their own body’s SOS.