Researchers have found changes in the electrical activity between the brain and muscles in adults who had childhood polio — an infection that affects the same motor neurons as those impacted in people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a…
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Genetic analysis of 28 families with a member affected by spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) identified novel mutations in the SMN1 gene and different genes widely prevalent in SMA patients not found in unaffected family members, a study reveals. …
Most children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) show an abnormal increase in the levels of liver enzymes — suggestive of liver damage — following treatment with Zolgensma, according to a study by Novartis, the therapy’s developer. This known side effect of the gene therapy was mainly very mild and…
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is encouraging the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) to recommend that people living with neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) have early access to any federally approved COVID-19 vaccine. The MDA made its request in a letter to members of the CDC…
A Neurological Alliance report is calling for improved treatment and care for the 150,000 U.K. residents living with rare neurological conditions such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The report presents what the advocacy organization believes should be included in the U.K.’s coming new governmental framework for…
To empower and equip members of the rare disease community to engage state leaders in matters of importance to patients and their families, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has launched an initiative across the U.S. Its goal is to establish a Rare Disease Advisory Council (RDAC)…
Repeated administrations of Spinraza (nusinersen) were associated with the presence of macrophages — immune cells specialized in recognizing and eliminating harmful organisms and dead cells — with unusual features in the spinal fluid of two infants with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a case study reports. While these abnormalities…
Evrysdi (risdiplam) at its approved and therapeutic dose does not lead to eye damage in children or adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), data from extensive ophthalmologic monitoring of patients in its clinical trials — prompted by earlier safety findings in monkeys — show. These data support the therapy’s favorable safety…
The first wave of COVID-19 in Europe severely disrupted access to care and raised stress and anxiety in people with rare diseases, negatively affecting their health and well-being, according to a survey conducted by Eurordis-Rare Diseases Europe. “People living with rare diseases in Europe have found themselves caught as collateral…
Cure SMA is offering free personal protective equipment (PPE) packages to support spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients in the U.S. during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Through the temporary program, called COVID-19 PPE Package, SMA households can receive shipped supplies of antibacterial wipes, antibacterial hand sanitizer gel, disposable…
