Spinal muscular atrophy
MONDO:0001516A motor neuron disease that affect the muscles, and characterized by muscle weakness and atrophy resulting from progressive degeneration and irreversible loss of the anterior horn cells in the spinal cord (i.e., lower motor neurons) and the brain stem nuclei. The severity of the condition; the associated signs and symptoms; and the age at which symptoms develop varies by subtype. In general, people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) experience progressive weakness and atrophy of muscles involved in mobility, the ability to sit unassisted, and head control. Breathing and swallowing may also be affected in severe cases. SMA is generally caused by changes (mutations) in the SMN1 gene and is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Extra copies of the SMN2 gene modify the severity of SMA. Rare autosomal dominant (caused by mutations in DYNC1H1, BICD2, or VAPB genes) and X-linked (caused by mutations in UBA1) forms of SMA exist. Treatment is based on the signs and symptoms present in each person.
126 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
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Broader categories
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New hope for SMA babies: boosting gene therapy with a Follow-Up drug
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis study tests a drug called salanersen in babies with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) who have already received gene therapy. The drug aims to help the body make more SMN protein, which is needed for muscle function. About 42 babies with two copies of the SMN2 gene will be rando…
Phase: PHASE3 • Sponsor: Biogen • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
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Gene therapy hope for babies with fatal muscle disease
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis early-phase trial tests a gene therapy called SKG0201 in 11 infants with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type I, a severe muscle-weakening disease. The therapy uses a harmless virus to deliver a working copy of the missing SMN1 gene. The study aims to see if it is safe and can…
Phase: PHASE1, PHASE2 • Sponsor: Lanyue Biotech (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:05 UTC
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New study to track gene Therapy's Real-World impact on spinal muscular atrophy
Disease control Not yet recruitingThis study will follow 36 people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) who receive a gene therapy called onasemnogene abeparvovec (ITVISMA) injected into the spinal fluid. The goal is to see how well it works and how safe it is in everyday medical practice. Participants must be at l…
Phase: PHASE4 • Sponsor: Novartis Pharmaceuticals • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:00 UTC
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Could a zapping cap boost memory? small study tests brain stimulation for cognitive decline
Symptom relief Not yet recruitingThis pilot study will test whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can improve working memory in 30 adults with mild cognitive impairment or traumatic brain injury. Participants will receive low-level electrica…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:28 UTC
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Can a support group boost confidence for parents of kids with DMD or SMA?
Symptom relief Not yet recruitingThis study tests whether a multicomponent support group can improve the confidence (self-efficacy) of primary caregivers of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy or spinal muscular atrophy in Pakistan. Thirty caregivers will join group sessions with doctors, therapists, and o…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Aga Khan University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:12 UTC
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Horse power: new therapy hopes to improve movement in SMA children
Symptom relief Not yet recruitingThis study tests whether a special type of horseback physiotherapy can improve movement, posture, breathing, and quality of life in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Twenty children aged 2 to 9 years will receive both the horse therapy and standard physiotherapy in ran…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Charles University, Czech Republic • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:10 UTC
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Robot suit aims to get kids with disabilities walking
Symptom relief Not yet recruitingThis study tests a robotic exoskeleton called CLINICAL EXPLORER in 60 children aged 2 to 17 with neurodevelopmental disorders like cerebral palsy. The device supports walking during 8 therapy sessions. Researchers will check if it is safe, easy to use, and helps improve movement …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: MarsiBionics • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 14:47 UTC
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New study tracks Risdiplam's Real-World impact on spinal muscle atrophy
Knowledge-focused Not yet recruitingThis study will observe 30 children with type I or type II spinal muscle atrophy who are taking risdiplam. Researchers will track motor function improvements over 24 months using standard tests. The goal is to see how well the drug works in everyday medical practice.
Sponsor: Hoffmann-La Roche • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
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Gene therapy readiness check: new study maps virus immunity in muscle disease patients
Knowledge-focused Not yet recruitingThis study will test blood samples from 450 people aged 6 to 60 with inherited neuromuscular diseases to see if they have antibodies that could block gene therapy viruses (AAVs). The goal is to understand how common these antibodies are and which patients might be good candidates…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Genethon • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:04 UTC
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New study explores how families cope with feeding and talking challenges in SMA type 1
Knowledge-focused Not yet recruitingThis study will interview 15 parents or guardians of children with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 to learn about their daily challenges with feeding and communication. Even though newer treatments have improved survival, their impact on swallowing and speech is not well understoo…
Sponsor: Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:00 UTC
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Hidden fracture risk in kids with SMA under spotlight
Knowledge-focused Not yet recruitingThis study looks at bone health in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a condition that causes muscle weakness. Researchers want to find out how common fractures are and whether newer SMA treatments affect bone strength. They will review medical records from about 550 ch…
Sponsor: Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:24 UTC
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New study probes emotional toll of SMA screening on new parents
Knowledge-focused Not yet recruitingThis study looks at how parents feel after their newborn is screened for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Researchers will interview 36 parents in two French regions to understand their anxiety, stress, and support needs. The goal is to improve how screening results are shared and …
Sponsor: University Hospital, Strasbourg, France • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:54 UTC