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Nusinersen for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in the United States: Findings From a Retrospective Claims Database Analysis

key information

source: Advances in therapy

year: 2021

authors: Gauthier-Loiselle M,Cloutier M,Toro W,Patel A,Shi S,Davidson M,Bischof M,LaMarca N,Dabbous O

summary/abstract:

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare, genetic neuromuscular disorder caused by deletion/mutation of the survival motor neuron 1 gene, characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons, resulting in increasing muscular weakness, deteriorating motor function, and, in its most severe form, death before 2 years. Nusinersen, an antisense oligonucleotide that increases expression of the functional SMN protein, was approved for SMA by US and European regulatory agencies in 2016 and 2017, respectively. The indicated regimen requires intrathecal injections every 4 months, following the first four injections during the loading phase. Adherence is integral to treatment success. Adherence to nusinersen may pose particular challenges as most patients with SMA are young children who require complex multidisciplinary care (including ongoing intrathecal treatment administration and potential specialized anesthetic and surgical procedures) at specialized centers. However, real-world data on adherence to nusinersen are limited.

organization: Analysis Group, Inc., 1190 avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Tour Deloitte, Suite 1500, Montreal, QC, Canada.

DOI: 10.1007/s12325-021-01938-w

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