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…
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Roche and its subsidiary Genentech are launching a Phase 2/3 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of GYM329 (RO7204239), an investigational anti-myostatin antibody, in combination with Evrysdi (risdiplam) in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The MANATEE trial has two parts. In part one, 36…
Flying can be an ordeal for many people with disabilities who rely on wheelchairs to get from point A to point B. Sometimes disabled travelers get to their destination only to realize their wheelchair or scooter is broken or missing. In 2019, the year after airlines were required to release…
For spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients with spinal deformities, administration of Spinraza (nusinersen) by a novel subcutaneous intrathecal catheter system improved upper limb function, a small study reports. This delivery technique, however, increased the risk of mechanical malfunction and infections, the researchers noted. The study, “…
Global Genes has partnered with the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition (RDDC) to advance health equity for rare disease patients and caregivers in underrepresented communities of color. “For rare disease patients, there are many challenges — and for people of color with a rare disease, these challenges are compounded…
School-age children and adolescents with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in China experience a high rate of anxiety and depression, a questionnaire-based study suggests. “Professional psychological care [may be] included in the standard of care,” the researchers wrote, noting that a higher prevalence of depression was seen among students with…
Novartis has completed negotiations with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) regarding pricing and availability of Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec), its approved gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), for pediatric patients. With this negotiation completed, individual public drug plans in Canada will now make final decisions about the coverage…
A pilot newborn screening (NBS) program for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) that started in Liège province has transitioned into an official, government-run program spanning Southern Belgium. Its architects described their experience, highlighting concepts that may be useful for creating similar programs, as well as problems that arose and how they…
The Rare Disease Diversity Coalition (RDDC) awarded $600,000 in grants to ease the disparities faced by rare disease patients of color. These Impact Rare Disease Solution grants will go five RDDC steering committee working groups, which aim to identify problems for rare disease communities and advocate for solutions. The five…
Ben Lou battles the weakness in his body that comes with having spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 2, but his mind is stronger than most: The 18-year-old was accepted to three of the most prestigious universities in the U.S. Lou is now in his first year at the Massachusetts Institute…
