What the trial was testing
The trial enrolled 62 patients with spinal muscular atrophy. The study was sponsored by Hoffmann-La Roche and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.
It was initial testing (phase 2). Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.
What the results showed
Seven of 17 infants on the higher dose learned to sit without support, a milestone they would not have reached otherwise.
The New England journal of medicine · 2021 · NCT02913482
These findings — that babies on the higher dose reached a milestone they typically never achieve — were published in the The New England journal of medicine and represent the headline result of the study.
Researchers tracked outcomes across 62 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.
What this means for patients
For patients with spinal muscular atrophy, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.
What you can do now
Risdiplam is now FDA-approved for spinal muscular atrophy in children and adults. This medicine is taken by mouth at home. If your child has been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, ask your doctor whether risdiplam or other approved treatments are right for them.
Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.
Open spinal muscular atrophy trials
Feasibility of the BrainGate2 Neural Interface System in Persons With Tetraplegia
The purpose of this study is to obtain preliminary device safety information and demonstrate proof of principle (feasibility) of the ability of people with tetraplegia to control a computer cursor and other assistive devices with their thoughts.
Assessing the Fertility Status of Men With Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
This study will aim to assess the fertility status of men with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) not on disease-modifying therapies. Participants will: 1. Complete online questionnaires that will assess SMA diagnosis and disease burden, medical and surgical history, medication usage, and fertility status and perspectives. 2. Over the 3-month initial study baseline period participants will provide two separate ejaculates for semen analysis and a single determination of sperm quality using DNA fragmentation testing using home collection and subsequent shipment to a central laboratory. 3. Over the initial study baseline period of 3 months study participants will obtain a blood test to determine male reproductive hormone levels. During the 24-month study duration, participants will be requested to undergo a yearly semen analysis and complete online relevant questionnaires.