News

European Alliance Calls for Newborn Screening

The European Alliance for Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy is calling on all European states to introduce routine screening of all newborns for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) by 2025. The recently-formed Alliance, which is composed of European patient organizations, academics, and the pharmaceutical industry, published its first white…

Evrysdi Approved in Europe as First Oral, At-home Treatment

The European Commission has approved Evrysdi (risdiplam) as the first oral and at-home treatment for adults, children, and infants 2 months and older with nearly all types of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Eligible patients include those with a clinical diagnosis of SMA type 1, 2, or 3 or carrying one to four…

Survey: Benefits of SMA Newborn Screening Outweigh Disadvantages

The benefits of newborn screening (NBS) for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) outweigh its disadvantages and challenges, according to a survey of parents and healthcare providers of screen-positive newborns in Australia. Notably, both groups supported the implementation of a newborn screening program, as well as its equal access across the…

Scholar Rock Wins US Patent for Apitegromab

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has granted Scholar Rock a patent for apitegromab, with add-on and combination therapies, for treating muscle conditions such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). “We are delighted to have been granted this unique patent that further protects our myostatin approach to…

#MDA2021 – Zolgensma Helped Pre-symptomatic Babies Achieve Age-Appropriate Motor Milestones

Editor’s note: The SMA News Today team is providing in-depth coverage of the 2021 MDA Virtual Clinical and Scientific Conference, March 15–18. Go here to read the latest stories from the conference. Zolgensma safely and effectively halts disease progression in pre-symptomatic spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) infants, according to updated…