Treatment Of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) In Adults And Children

An Approved Treatment

SMA is a rare disease, and one of the genetic causes of death in infants

Roche Malaysia today announced that the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) in Malaysia has approved Evrysdi™ (risdiplam) for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare disease affecting patients two months of age and older.

SMA is one of the genetic causes of death in infants. 5q SMA is one form of the disease1.

The condition causes muscle weakness and progressive loss of movement and the significant unmet need remains, particularly in adults living with this condition.

“Children with SMA may start showing symptoms as early as the first few days of life and lose muscle strength over time, so early treatment is crucial before the weakness begins. While the age of onset and range and severity of symptoms varies from each individual, the physical and emotional challenges from SMA impact the entire family,” said Dr Ch’ng Gaik Siew, Paediatrician specializing in Clinical Genetics.

“Until recently, there have been no medical advances to alleviate the debilitating symptoms from SMA. With more treatment options available, people with SMA and their families now have more hope that they may be able to overcome the challenges from their disease.”

“We are proud to offer children with this rare neurological disease a new treatment option that can provide meaningful benefits and can be taken at home instead of visiting the hospital and this can help reduce the burden of hospital administration. We look forward to working with the healthcare community to drive more awareness around this disease with the hopes of improving outcomes,” said Deepti Saraf, General Manager of Roche Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

“A call to policymakers and insurance providers to ensure a clear and committed policy direction, covering regulations and incentives, and the provision of genetic non-discrimination insurance, is also being made. Lastly, increasing community education and awareness, as well as future research on SMA, is also recommended,” added Deepti. 

A liquid medicine, Evrysdi, is administered daily at home by mouth or feeding tube. The approval is based on data from two clinical studies, designed to represent a broad spectrum of people living with SMA: SUNFISH in symptomatic Type 2 and 3 children and adults aged 2 to 25 years.

SUNFISH is the first and only placebo-controlled trial to include adults with Types 2 and 3 SMA2. Evrysdi demonstrated a favourable efficacy and safety profile, with the safety profile established in the trial.

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