What is SMA?

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease that causes muscle weakness and progressive loss of movement. It is caused by deterioration in the nerve cells (motor neurones) connecting the brain and spinal cord to the body’s muscles. As the link between the nerves and muscles breaks down, the muscles used for activities such as crawling, walking, sitting up, moving the head and even swallowing, become progressively weaker and shrink (atrophy).

The muscles closest to the centre of the body, such as the shoulders, hips and back (proximal muscles), are usually affected first and most severely. However, in time, all voluntary muscles, as well as muscles responsible for breathing, get significantly weaker. As a result, respiratory complications occur frequently.

SMA is a progressive disorder and everyone affected by it deteriorates over time.

Mental abilities are unaffected by SMA.

For more information see NHS Spinal Muscular Atrophy Site.

Latest Posts

  • Calling on all the community to ACT NOW to avoid losing treatments!

    Calling on all the community to ACT NOW to avoid losing treatments!

    Currently, there are two approved treatments for SMA: risdiplam and nusinersen. These treatments were initially approved temporarily under Managed Access Agreements while the NHS and NICE gathered data to assess their cost-effectiveness. Now, as these agreements come to an end, both treatments face a crucial review.

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  • NICE’s upcoming Multi Technology Assessment for Spinraza and Risdiplam

    NICE’s upcoming Multi Technology Assessment for Spinraza and Risdiplam

    SMA UK are proud to join together with Treat SMA and MDUK to bring you this webinar about NICE’s upcoming Multi Technology Assessment for Spinraza and Risdiplam. 2024 sees the end of the managed access agreements (MAAs) for the two treatments. An expert committee will gather to assess the new clinical and real-world evidence, along…

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  • Let the battle begin

    Let the battle begin

    This year the Managed Access Agreement for Spinraza and Risdiplam expires. The MAA was put in place five years ago so the pharmaceutical companies could gather more evidence to resubmit to NICE for approval on the NHS with Biogen extending their MAA by a year.

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