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

Motor gains seen with Zolgensma, especially when given early

The one-time gene therapy Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi) can improve motor outcomes for children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) effectively, especially when it’s given in the first months of life, a review paper shows. “There is substantial evidence of improved outcomes when Zolgensma is administered early to children under…

MDA 2023: Long-term motor gains seen for SMA children on Zolgensma

Children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) given Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi) gene therapy in clinical trials are maintaining, years later, the motor milestones they achieved in the original studies — and some have hit additional milestones even without further treatment. That’s according to data from long-term follow-up (LTFU) studies…

Ambulatory SMA patients on Spinraza show walking gains

More than 1 in 4 ambulatory spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients experienced clinically meaningful improvements in walking ability after being treated with Spinraza (nusinersen), according to an analysis of real-world findings in Europe. “Our data demonstrate a positive effect of [Spinraza] treatment on motor function in ambulant pediatric and…

SMA treatment videos on YouTube vary as source of solid information

Some videos on YouTube, particularly in-depth ones made by healthcare professionals, provide high-quality and reliable information about treatments for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a new study highlights. But many of the examined videos concerning SMA treatments are neither high quality nor reliable, the researchers found, adding importance to identifying…

Diagnosis Through Newborn Screening Yields Better Outcomes

Newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), coupled with early access to disease-modifying therapies, can improve the likelihood that children with the disease will be able to walk, a new study suggests. Also, fewer patients in the newborn screening group tended to require ventilatory or feeding support,…