Author Archives: Marisa Wexler MS

Babies born in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan will now be tested for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) as part of routine newborn screening. SMA is one of four medical conditions that have been added to the screening program administered to newly born infants by the Saskatchewan Health Authority. “Our…

A man with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 2 in Japan who lived until his 60s was found after his death to have minimal damage in the brain but marked atrophy among the nerve cells of the spinal cord, an autopsy case report showed. “This report presents unique neuropathological…

Many prenatal genetic counselors are unfamiliar with important concepts related to spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and its treatment, according to a new study. The study, “Evolving approaches to prenatal genetic counseling for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in the new treatment era,” was published in the Journal of…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is giving priority review to a request that the oral therapy Evrysdi (risdiplam) be approved to treat pre-symptomatic infants with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) who are less than 2 months old. Priority review is given to therapies with the potential to substantially…

Within the U.S., there is marked state-to-state variation in guidelines for whether Medicaid will cover Spinraza (nusinersen) or Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec) treatments, according to a new study. This finding raises concerns about equitable access to these lifesaving therapies for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), according to researchers. The…

Biogen has exercised an option to acquire BIIB115, an investigational treatment for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), from Ionis Pharmaceuticals. SMA is a rare genetic condition caused by mutations that lead to abnormally low levels of the survival motor neuron protein, known as SMN. BIIB115, previously called ION306,…

When it comes to treatments, people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) types 2 and 3 place a lot of value on medications that can stabilize or improve breathing and motor function, according to a study. Results also suggested a preference for oral treatments. The study, “Patient…

Combined treatment with Spinraza and Zolgensma does not markedly improve motor function or breathing ability in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1, a small, single-site study reported. Its scientists highlighted that, regardless of the type of treatment given, earlier treatment leads to better outcomes. The study, “…

The COVID-19 pandemic led to delays in treatment with Spinraza (nusinersen) for many children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). However, these delays seem to have a lower impact on children’s functional skills when compared with family support, according to a small study in Italy. The study, “…

Children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) who have spine deformities or weak trunk muscles are more likely than others to have substantial limits to functional abilities and life activities, a study in patients ages 6 months to 15 years reported. Strengthening trunk muscles through regular exercise and physical therapy…