What the trial was testing
The STR1VE-EU enrolled 33 patients with spinal muscular atrophy. The study was sponsored by Novartis Gene Therapies and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.
It was a large trial designed to confirm whether the treatment works well enough for wider use. 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
97% of babies survived without permanent breathing support at 14 months, compared to just 26% without treatment.
The Lancet. Neurology · 2021 · NCT03461289
These findings — that nearly all treated babies lived without needing a ventilator, versus only 26% untreated — were published in the The Lancet. Neurology and represent the headline result of the study.
Researchers tracked outcomes across 33 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
This gene therapy is FDA-approved and available now under the brand name Zolgensma. It's given as a one-time IV infusion to babies under 2 years old with spinal muscular atrophy. If your child has been diagnosed with SMA type 1, ask your specialist about whether this treatment is 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.