Marisa Wexler, MS,  senior science writer—

Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

Treatment with AJ201 shows positive signs in SBMA clinical trial

Treatment with AJ201 was well tolerated and showed signs of improving physical activity in a clinical trial involving people with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), according to new data announced by developer Annji Pharmaceutical. “I am greatly encouraged by the positive clinical outcomes observed after a relatively…

High-carbohydrate diet may help normalize SMA metabolism

A study found that people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have metabolic alterations due to impairments in how their bodies use fatty acids for energy. The results suggested a carbohydrate-rich diet may help normalize metabolism in SMA patients. The study, “Alterations of Fat and Ketone Body Metabolism…

Zolgensma gene therapy liver damage usually resolves in months

Liver damage may occur as a side effect of the spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) gene therapy Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi), but it usually resolves within a few months of treatment, a study showed. The researchers also found that simultaneous treatment with Zolgensma and Spinraza (nusinersen) does not seem to…

MDA 2025: Spinraza treatment stabilizes adult motor function

Treatment with Spinraza (nusinersen) can help stabilize motor function in adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), according to a new analysis. “This study aligns with previously reported findings and suggests that long-term [treatment with Spinraza] offers sustained clinical benefits in adults with SMA,” researchers wrote in the abstract…

MDA 2025: Potassium channel could be SMA treatment target

Activating a protein called potassium channel Kv2.1 may help improve motor function in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), according to data from experiments done in mice that point to the protein’s potential as a target in SMA treatment. The findings were presented at the Muscular Dystrophy Association‘s 2025 MDA…

MDA 2025: High-dose Spinraza safe, effective in DEVOTE study

A higher dose of Spinraza (nusinersen) may be more effective than the currently approved dosing schedule in people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) for maintaining motor function, according to data from the DEVOTE clinical trial. Results from the study, which was sponsored by Spinraza’s maker Biogen, were…