News

Improvements in Range of Motion with Physical Therapy

A frequent complaint and limitation for patients that have been diagnosed with SMA is lack of flexibility throughout their body. Contractures, or shortening of muscles leading to deformity of joints, can occur secondary to lack of ability to perform active range of motion and being in a seated position for…

New DNA Reference Map May Aid in Identifying SMN1 Mutations

A research team in the U.S. has developed a new DNA reference, or benchmark, map with detailed sequence information on a number of genes, including SMN1 — the disease-causing gene in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Such information was missing from previous benchmark maps due to the genes’ intrinsic features.

Using Ultrasound May Help in SBMA Diagnosis, Study Shows

Men with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) were found to have abnormally small nerves in the limbs, especially the arms, as measured by ultrasound, a study showed. These findings support the use of ultrasound as an additional tool to identify SBMA and improve selection for genetic testing, the…

Rare Disease Day Events Bring Awareness, Equity to Patients

Since 2008, Rare Disease Day — the last day of February — has brought together patients, caregivers, family members, friends, and advocates from around the world to raise awareness and improve equity for the more than 7,000 known rare diseases that affect more than 300 million people. In 2022, the…

Negotiations on Evrysdi Availability, Pricing in Canada Now Complete

Roche Canada has completed its negotiations with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) regarding the availability and pricing of Evrysdi (risdiplam), an approved once-a-day oral therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The pCPA is a nationwide organization in Canada that collaborates on various public drug plan initiatives to manage…

SMA Screening Now Available to 87% of Newborns in US

Screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the leading genetic cause of infant death, is now available to 87% of all babies born in the United States, according to Cure SMA. The milestone was reached after Arizona and Louisiana began testing newborns for SMA this year, raising the number…