OUR COMMITMENT

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare, genetic neuromuscularcondition causing progressive muscle wasting (atrophy) and weakness leading to loss of movement. This may affect crawling and walking ability, arm, hand, head and neck movement, breathing and swallowing.There are different forms of SMA and a wide spectrum of how severely children and adults are affected.

There is no cure for SMA but since 2016 drug treatments have gradually been introduced worldwide and in the UK, there are now three. For clinical safety reasons, though these are possible for some, they are not available for all who have SMA. Also, both clinical trial and real-world evidence suggest that if any of these drug treatments is possible, early treatment is necessary to maximise the potential benefits for this progressive condition. This is why clinicians and patient groups are advocating for the earliest possible introduction of Newborn Screening for SMA in the UK.

SMA UK are here to provide free information and outreach support to anyone in the UK affected by SMA and to help provide access to the best care, services, treatments and research.