With today’s newborn screening action by Oregon and New Mexico, Cure SMA has reached a major screening milestone for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), with 97 percent of all U.S. newborns screened for SMA.
Oregon and New Mexico confirmed with Cure SMA that babies born today in their states will now be screening for SMA, making them the 45th and 46th states to screen for the condition.
“We know that early diagnosis and access to a SMA treatment can lead to improved, long-lasting developmental outcomes for individuals with SMA,” said Kenneth Hobby, President of Cure SMA. “The addition of Oregon and New Mexico brings us closer to our goal of universal screening of SMA in the United States.”
In 2018, SMA was added to the federal recommended uniform screening panel (RUSP). However, each state must separately consider and implement newborn screening of SMA. Cure SMA and its supporters, including individuals with SMA and their families, have worked across the country to help educate decisionmakers about the importance of newborn screening.
“Newborn screening is the most effective and efficient way for babies with SMA to access timely treatments and available support,” said Dr. Mary Schroth, Cure SMA Chief Medical Officer. “The SMA community’s success around newborn screening is having a profound impact on the lives of infants with SMA and their families.”
Cure SMA and its advocates are committed to reaching all babies born in the United States and will continue to advocate for final action in Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, South Carolina, the remaining non-screening states, and the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories. For more information about newborn screening of SMA, go to: https://www.curesma.org/newborn-screening-for-sma/.
