Save the date: SMA Europe - 3rd International Scientific and Clinical Congress on SMA
21 June 2021 / Posted in: Information
SMA Europe has announced its third International Scientific and Clinical Congress on Spinal Muscular Atrophy, which will take place between 9th-11th February 2022 at the International Convention Centre (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain.
Contact: Write to the JVCI about Vaccines for Clinically Vulnerable Children
17 June 2021 / Posted in: Information, Support
National charity Contact have prepared a template letter for parents / carers who want the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to recommend offering a Covid-19 vaccine as soon as possible to children with underlying health conditions / who are clinically vulnerable.
Contact Survey: Counting the Costs 2021
15 June 2021 / Posted in: Information, Support
Contact is running this new survey to find out how the pandemic has affected your family finances and how you're feeling about your future family finances. It takes about 25 minutes to complete and there is an opportunity at the end to win one of three £100 vouchers. The deadline to complete is Wednesday 7 July at 9am.
Evrysdi™ Improves Motor Function in Pre-Symptomatic Babies
14 June 2021 / Posted in: Treatments & Research
In response to a request from SMA Europe, Roche has shared new interim data from two studies evaluating risdiplam in people with SMA. The trials included pre-symptomatic babies (RAINBOWFISH) or patients who have been previously treated with other SMA-targeting therapies (JEWELFISH). The findings were presented at the Cure SMA 2021 Virtual SMA Research & Clinical Care Meeting.
140+ Organisations Call on Government to put Children at the Heart of the Nation's Recovery
09 June 2021 / Posted in: Information, Support
Despite the Prime Minister’s pledges on Building Back Better and Levelling Up, the resignation of Sir Kevan Collins has highlighted a disturbing truth: supporting babies, children and young people to recover from the impact of the pandemic is still not a priority for Government investment. That’s why we’re joining the National Children’s Bureau and 140+ organisations in a call to Government to put babies, children and young people at the heart of COVID-19 recovery.
How Scales and Measurements Will Work Now for England’s MAA for Nusinersen
04 June 2021 / Posted in: Treatments & Research
The nusinersen MAA requires data to be collected about each individual person being treated. This is so that you and your clinical team can monitor if the treatment is working for you / your child – bearing in mind that stabilisation of your / your child’s condition is a key aim. Here we explain how the scales and measurements will work going forwards.
Evidence and Summary that led to NICE’s Type 3 Access to Nusinersen Decision Published
04 June 2021 / Posted in: Treatments & Research
Today you can read what sat behind this momentous decision first announced on 4th May. Over almost two years, SMA UK worked hard to advocate and contribute to this, amplifying the voices of the families and adults who have been impacted so distressingly by their exclusion from treatment.
NICE publishes its Final Evaluation Document on Zolgensma
04 June 2021 / Posted in: Treatments & Research
Today, NICE confirmed its recommendations originally announced on 8th March 2021. There is now an appeal period closing on 18th June. Final publication is scheduled for 7th July 2021.
Update from the National Multidisciplinary Team (NMDT) on the progress of the Zolgensma Treatment Programme in England
03 June 2021 / Posted in: Treatments & Research
This newly formed team of lead consultants from the four infusion centres is meeting very regularly. They are working on the many operational aspects of this new national programme that need to be in place to ensure that it is delivered in the best most equitable way possible.
NICE Asks for Comments on its Appraisal Consultation Document (ACD) for Risdiplam
02 June 2021 / Posted in: Treatments & Research
NICE’s initial position is to say 'no' to approving risdiplam for NHS funding. This is disappointing news, but not unusual at this stage, and NICE is asking for comments on this by 23rd June, which they will review at their next committee meeting on 13th July. We will be responding to the consultation paper, again advocating for access for all as soon as possible. We remain hopeful that this process is similar to other appraisals whereby once more work is completed, the initial 'no' changes to ‘yes’.
