In this episode, we explore the rapidly evolving landscape of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a genetic neuromuscular disorder characterised by the degeneration of motor neurones due to a deficiency in the survival motor neurone (SMN) protein,. We discuss the paradigm shift from palliative care to disease-modifying interventions, highlighting the three established therapies—nusinersen, onasemnogene abeparvovec, and risdiplam—that target the underlying genetic root of the disease.
Crucially, we cover the landmark FDA approval in late 2025 of Itvisma (onasemnogene abeparvovec-brve), a new intrathecal gene replacement therapy that expands access to patients aged two years and older,. Finally, we examine the future of combination treatments, specifically the promising Phase 3 results for apitegromab, a muscle-directed therapy designed to function alongside SMN-targeted treatments to improve motor function.