Updates on Covid vaccinations for children aged over 12 years
04 August 2021 / Posted in: Information, Support
The government has updated its Green Book guidance with more detailed information about which children aged 12-15 years are eligible for a Covid vaccine. The Scottish government has also given more detail about its vaccination programme for those aged 12 - 17 years.
Appraisal of risdiplam in Scotland delayed further
03 August 2021 / Posted in: Treatments & Research
SMA UK, MDUK and TreatSMA have today written to the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) to raise their concerns about the further delays with processing Roche’s submission for risdiplam.
Data for Evrysdi Published in NEJM shows Significant Improvement in Survival and Motor Milestones in Babies with SMA Type 1
30 July 2021 / Posted in: Treatments & Research
The study, evaluating the efficacy and safety of Evrysdi™ (risdiplam) in babies aged 1-7 months old with symptomatic SMA Type 1, met its primary endpoint with 29% of infants sitting without support for at least five seconds by month 12 - a milestone not seen in the natural course of the condition.
Respond to the New National Disability Strategy Proposal
28 July 2021 / Posted in: Information, Support
Today, the Government has launched a new National Disability Strategy. Whilst we welcome this response, we share the concerns being expressed by the Disability Community Alliances and groups. We will be carefully reviewing what is recommended and will work again with our Young Adults' Network and the alliances and groups we belong to, to respond to the Government’s Consultation Survey. You may also want to share your own views - the survey is open until 11th October.
New Survey: Being a Teenager With SMA
26 July 2021 / Posted in: Information, Support
Are you aged 13-18? Do you have a diagnosis of SMA? Jordanne has SMA Type 2 and is currently studying a master's degree in clinicial psychology. She's interested to hear more about how SMA affects the emotions and quality of life of people aged 13-18 years.
Survey: Measuring the Family Impact of a Person's Health Condition
22 July 2021 / Posted in: Information, Support
SMA can affect the lives of partners and family members, but this important impact is often ignored. Researchers at Cardiff University have created a simple questionnaire to measure this impact. They need your help to test this questionnaire and are inviting people with SMA and their partners or other family members (aged at least 18 years) to complete this 5-minute survey.
Community Update: Novartis Discontinues Development of Branaplam
21 July 2021 / Posted in: Treatments & Research
Novartis have confirmed that they've made the difficult decision to discontinue the development of branaplam (also known as LMI070) for the treatment of SMA. They explain that their decision was "made as the result of rapid advancements in the SMA treatment landscape in recent years."
JCVI Issues Advice on COVID-19 Vaccination of Children and Young People
20 July 2021 / Posted in: Information, Treatments & Research, Support
The JCVI has looked at the available evidence around vaccinating children and young people under the age of 18. They have now advised that children at increased risk of serious COVID-19 disease are offered the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. That includes children aged 12 to 15 with severe neurodisabilities, Down’s syndrome, immunosuppression and multiple or severe learning disabilities.
Open Style Lab: Research Study About How Design Impacts Disability
19 July 2021 / Posted in: Information
Open Style Lab (OSL) is an award-winning nonprofit organisation in the US with a mission to make style and fashion accessible. They are currently running a longitudinal research study about how design impacts disability and are looking for female participants to be interviewed.
Two Job Opportunities at Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance
16 July 2021 / Posted in: Information, Support
One is Project Lead (developing Personal Assistance and Neuromuscular Conditions: A training programme for PAs). The other is Executive Assistant to CEO. Application deadline for both is Friday 23rd July.
