This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
NHS deal on spinal muscular atrophy at home treatment
A life-changing drug that can improve mobility in children and adults with a rare genetic condition will be available on the NHS following a new commercial deal.
NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard announced that Risdiplam will be used to treat hundreds of patients a year with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a rare and often fatal genetic disease that causes paralysis, muscle weakness and progressive loss of movement.
The drug, the first non-injectable treatment for SMA that can be taken at home, improves motor function and is taken as a syrup medicine once a day after meals. At least 215 people in England have already had Risdiplam via the early access scheme provided earlier this year.
This is the third treatment for SMA secured by the NHS in less than three years, transforming care of patients with the condition and means there is now an innovative drug available for individuals with SMA types 1, 2 and 3.
Pritchard said: “In the last three years the NHS has revolutionised care for people with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, by securing access to a trio of innovative treatments- Spinraza, Zolgensma and now Risdiplam- whereas three years ago clinicians had no effective medicines at all.
“SMA is a cruel disease and the leading genetic cause of death among babies and young children, which is why NHS England has been determined to make these treatment available to people as soon as possible to help transform the lives of patients and their families.
“It is yet another example of the NHS leading the way in securing access to the newest and most innovative treatments and therapies available for patients, not only for those with rare genetic conditions, but in all areas including fighting cancer and Covid19 in line with the NHS Long Term Plan.”
Latest News
16/02/2024 - 12:56
Hammersmith and Fulham Council has created a new alliance intended to clean dirty air and improve residents' health.
16/02/2024 - 10:44
Two million more GP appointments a month are being delivered for patients compared to the same month before the pandemic as part of the NHS primary care access recovery plan according to new NHS data.
15/02/2024 - 10:26
The Welsh Government has provided innovation funding of £380,000 to support two projects utilising technology in domiciliary care.
15/02/2024 - 10:13
The new Scottish health secretary has met with frontline staff at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.
14/02/2024 - 10:27
The North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) has appointed three new Executive Directors to the Trust Board.
Product Features
UK Building Regulations highlight toxic gas and smoke from layers of paint built up over multiple redecorations as a major cause of permanent ill health or death in a building fire.
Their concern rose with discovery the flame retardant paints most widely used paint along escape routes have been ones which to this day counter-productively use emission of heavy toxic gas to smother flames which rapidly spread along walls if layers of paint delaminate in a fire.
Supplier Profiles
Northwich’s Victoria Infirmary (VIN) Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has enabled more patients
Adveco, the commercial hot water specialist, announces the launch of live metering of domestic ho
Latest Features
Sarah Greenslade, public affairs and communications officer at the British Parking Association looks at some of the problems and innovations in healthcare parking
It’s easy to assume that the comms team is there to handle press enquiries and the occasional social media storm – but the reality is that strategic communications can make a measurable impact across the entire organisation, from operational to financial, when done properly
