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.
127 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types, 107 tagged with Spinal muscular atrophy itself.
Follow this condition to get notified about new trialsWhere it sits in the disease tree
Browse by category →Sub-types of Spinal muscular atrophy
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Proximal spinal muscular atrophy 14 trials · 42 incl. sub-types
6 sub-types
- Spinal muscular atrophy, type 1 17 trials
- Spinal muscular atrophy, type II 14 trials
- Spinal muscular atrophy, type III 13 trials
- Spinal muscular atrophy, type IV 2 trials
- Autosomal dominant childhood-onset proximal spinal muscular atrophy 0 trials Sub-types →
- Lower motor neuron syndrome with late-adult onset 0 trials
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Bulbospinal muscular atrophy 1 trial
3 sub-types
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11 sub-types
- Distal hereditary motor neuropathy type 2 0 trials Sub-types →
- Distal hereditary motor neuropathy type 7 0 trials Sub-types →
- Hereditary spastic paraplegia 17 0 trials
- Myopathy, myofibrillar, 13, with rimmed vacuoles 0 trials
- Neuronopathy, distal hereditary motor, autosomal dominant 1 0 trials
- Neuronopathy, distal hereditary motor, autosomal dominant 10 0 trials
- Neuronopathy, distal hereditary motor, autosomal dominant 11 0 trials
- Neuronopathy, distal hereditary motor, autosomal dominant 15 0 trials
- Neuronopathy, distal hereditary motor, autosomal dominant 8 0 trials
- Neuronopathy, distal hereditary motor, type 5 0 trials Sub-types →
- Neuronopathy, distal hereditary motor, type 9 0 trials
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Spinal muscular atrophy type 0 0 trials
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Spinal muscular atrophy, segmental 0 trials
Most studied deeper sub-types
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One-Shot gene therapy aims to restore movement in children with SMA
Cure By invitation onlyResearchers test GCB-001, a gene therapy given as a single injection into the spinal fluid, in children aged 2 to 12 with type 2 spinal muscular atrophy who can sit alone but cannot walk. The trial checks safety and whether the treatment improves motor skills over 12 months. It i…
Sponsor: Genecombio Ltd. • Aim: Cure
Last updated Sep 13, 2026 00:00 UTC
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SMA drug risdiplam under Long-Term watch: will it hold up?
Disease control OngoingThis study follows 403 adults and children with spinal muscular atrophy who are already taking risdiplam (Evrysdi) as prescribed by their doctor. Researchers will track side effects and how well the drug works over about two years. The goal is to see if risdiplam remains safe and…
Phase 4 • Sponsor: Genentech, Inc. • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Sep 11, 2026 00:00 UTC
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New Muscle-Boosting drug combo tested for SMA
Disease control OngoingThis study tests whether adding an experimental drug (RO7204239) to an existing SMA medicine (risdiplam) can help people with spinal muscular atrophy build stronger muscles and move better. The trial includes about 259 children and young adults, ages 2 to 25, who can walk. Resear…
Phase 2/3 • Sponsor: Hoffmann-La Roche • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Sep 11, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Can a brain implant let paralyzed people control computers with their minds?
Disease control OngoingThis study tests a device called a motor neuroprosthesis, an implantable brain computer interface designed to help people with severe paralysis control digital devices like computers or tablets. The device aims to bypass damaged motor pathways and transmit brain signals directly …
Sponsor: Synchron Medical, Inc. • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Sep 10, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Can a muscle-boosting antibody help people with spinal muscular atrophy over the long haul?
Disease control OngoingThis trial tests the long-term safety and effectiveness of apitegromab, an investigational antibody that blocks myostatin, a protein that limits muscle growth. People with type 2 or type 3 spinal muscular atrophy who completed earlier apitegromab studies can join. Researchers wil…
Phase 3 • Sponsor: Scholar Rock, Inc. • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Sep 03, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Can a spinal injection safely slow spinal muscular atrophy? a real-world study in korea seeks answers.
Disease control OngoingThis study tracks the safety and effectiveness of Spinraza (nusinersen) in people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) who receive the drug as part of routine care in Korea. Researchers will monitor for side effects and measure changes in motor skills over time. The goal is to see …
Sponsor: Biogen • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jul 29, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Zolgensma's long-term effects under the microscope in new 5-year study
Disease control OngoingThis study follows 175 people with spinal muscular atrophy who previously received the gene therapy Zolgensma in clinical trials. Researchers will monitor them for 5 years to track serious side effects and developmental milestones. The goal is to understand how safe and effective…
Phase 3 • Sponsor: Novartis Pharmaceuticals • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jul 11, 2026 00:00 UTC
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New drug BIIB115 aims to build on gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy
Disease control OngoingThis early-stage trial tests a new drug called BIIB115 for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic condition that causes muscle weakness. The study first gives a single dose to healthy adult volunteers to check safety, then moves to children with SMA who have already received th…
Phase 1 • Sponsor: Biogen • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jul 11, 2026 00:00 UTC
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New drug shows promise in preventing SMA in newborns
Disease control OngoingThis study tests the drug risdiplam (Evrysdi) in infants up to 6 weeks old who have a genetic diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) but no symptoms yet. The goal is to see if early treatment can help them reach motor milestones like sitting without support. The trial involve…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Hoffmann-La Roche • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jul 11, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Gene therapy trial aims to halt Muscle-Wasting disease
Disease control OngoingThis study tests a gene therapy called vesemnogene lantuparvovec in about 20 people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic condition that causes muscle weakness. The therapy delivers a working copy of the SMN1 gene to help muscles work better. The main goal is to check saf…
Phase 1/2 • Sponsor: Lantu Biopharma • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
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New drug shows promise for SMA patients in major trial
Disease control OngoingThis study tests whether adding taldefgrobep alfa to standard SMA treatments can improve muscle function in people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). About 269 participants, both walkers and non-walkers, will receive either the drug or a placebo for 48 weeks. The main goal is to…
Phase 3 • Sponsor: Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, Inc. • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:00 UTC
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Gene therapy hope for SMA kids: early trial launches
Disease control OngoingThis early-stage trial tests a new gene therapy called NKG001 in 21 children under 5 with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The therapy is given as a single dose, either through a vein or combined with a spinal injection. The main goal is to check safety and find the best dose, not …
Sponsor: Nikegen Pharmaceutical (Hangzhou) Company Limited • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:00 UTC
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Higher dose of spinraza tested in SMA patients who already tried risdiplam
Disease control OngoingThis study tests a higher dose of nusinersen (Spinraza) in 45 teenagers and adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) who cannot walk and have already taken risdiplam. Participants receive two 50 mg loading doses two weeks apart, then 28 mg every four months for about two years, …
Phase 3 • Sponsor: Biogen • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:36 UTC
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Early access to experimental SMA drug apitegromab offered before approval
Disease control Expanded access (ended)This expanded access program provides apitegromab, an experimental drug that blocks myostatin to help maintain muscle strength, to eligible patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) before it is officially approved. Participants must be at least 2 years old and have a confirmed…
Sponsor: Scholar Rock, Inc. • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:24 UTC
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Can intensive therapy boost motor skills in kids with SMA?
Disease control OngoingThis pilot study tests whether combining intensive hand-arm and leg therapy with strength training can improve motor function in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Five children will attend one 6-hour session each weekend for 15 weeks. Researchers will check if the ther…
Sponsor: Teachers College, Columbia University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:02 UTC
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SPINRAZA study tracks movement in adults with spinal muscular atrophy
Disease control OngoingThis study follows 20 adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type II who are already taking SPINRAZA. Researchers will measure motor function using a 32-point scale over 27 months to see if the drug helps maintain or improve movement. The goal is to better understand how SPINR…
Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:00 UTC
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Gene therapy hope for babies with fatal muscle disease
Disease control OngoingThis study tests a new gene therapy called SKG0201 in 12 infants with spinal muscular atrophy type 1, a severe muscle-weakening disease. The treatment aims to improve survival and motor skills by delivering a working gene. Researchers are checking safety and how well the therapy …
Sponsor: Kun Sun • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:58 UTC
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One-Time gene injection aims to halt rare childhood paralysis
Disease control By invitation onlyThis early-stage trial tests a single injection of gene therapy for people with SMARD1 or CMT2S, rare diseases caused by mutations in the IGHMBP2 gene. The therapy delivers a working copy of the gene directly into the spinal fluid. Ten participants, ranging from infants to childr…
Phase 1/2 • Sponsor: Megan Waldrop • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:52 UTC
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Newborn screening study aims to catch rare diseases at birth
Diagnosis OngoingThis study offers voluntary screening for newborns in North Carolina to detect a wide range of rare health conditions early. Using a small blood sample already collected at birth, the program tests for dozens of disorders, including spinal muscular atrophy, cystic fibrosis, and m…
Sponsor: RTI International • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jul 03, 2026 00:00 UTC
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New test could predict falls in muscle disease patients
Diagnosis By invitation onlyThis study aims to create a simple test battery to determine fall risk in people with neuromuscular disorders, such as muscular dystrophy or ALS. Researchers will assess 108 participants using several physical tests like walking, standing, and rising from a chair. The goal is to …
Sponsor: LMU Klinikum • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 16:30 UTC
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New VR device aims to make exercise fun for kids with muscle weakness
Symptom relief OngoingThis early study tests a virtual reality rehabilitation device for children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness. The device uses games, muscle sensors, and a grip-strength ball to make home exercises more engaging. Resea…
Sponsor: University of Oxford • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Sep 17, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Robot suit helps kids with movement disorders take steps at home
Symptom relief OngoingThis study tests a wearable robotic exoskeleton called EXPLORER in 15 children with movement problems from conditions like cerebral palsy. The goal is to see if it helps them walk better in their everyday environments, such as home and the community. The study focuses on safety, …
Sponsor: MarsiBionics • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:51 UTC
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New registry tracks SMA in chinese kids to unlock Real-World insights
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study is a registry that collects information on up to 600 children in China with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). It aims to describe how the disease progresses and how treatments are used in everyday medical practice. The study does not test a new drug but gathers data to be…
Sponsor: Biogen • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Sep 13, 2026 00:00 UTC
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A Baby's fidgets may reveal brain health: study tests early warning signs
Knowledge-focused OngoingResearchers are studying the natural fidgety movements of infants to see if these movements can help predict cerebral palsy and other developmental issues. They will follow 350 babies, including healthy full-term infants and those at higher risk due to medical conditions, trackin…
Sponsor: Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Sep 05, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Can a stimulated muscle biopsy untangle two similar nerve and muscle diseases?
Knowledge-focused OngoingResearchers are testing a muscle biopsy method that uses mild electrical stimulation to sample the junction where nerves meet muscle. The goal is to see if this technique helps distinguish between inclusion body myositis and motor neuron disease, which can look alike. The study i…
Sponsor: IRCCS San Raffaele • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Sep 03, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Sniffing out Parkinson's: new study uses nose, blood, and urine to catch disease early
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study aims to find early markers of Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and Lewy body dementia by analyzing samples from the nose, blood, and urine. Researchers will compare results from 180 people with these conditions and healthy volunteers. The goal is to improv…
Sponsor: Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Aug 30, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Can a nationwide registry unlock the secrets of adult spinal muscular atrophy?
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study is a nationwide registry in China that will follow adults with a genetic form of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The goal is to describe how the disease naturally progresses over time and how disease-modifying treatments are used in real-world settings. By collecting da…
Sponsor: Biogen • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Aug 06, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Scientists hunt for clues in genes and body fluids to unlock ALS mysteries
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study is observing 217 people with ALS and related conditions like frontotemporal dementia and hereditary spastic paraplegia. Researchers aim to connect each person's genetic makeup with their symptoms and find biological markers in blood and spinal fluid. No new treatments …
Sponsor: University of Miami • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
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Biggest ALS gene study aims to unlock disease secrets
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study looks at people with ALS and similar diseases like frontotemporal dementia and hereditary spastic paraplegia. Researchers want to understand how genes affect the disease and find biological markers (biomarkers) to help develop future treatments. About 708 participants,…
Sponsor: University of Miami • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
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Groundbreaking study aims to speed up ALS treatment development
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study enrolls people with ALS and related disorders, as well as healthy volunteers, to track biological markers (biomarkers) in urine, blood, and spinal fluid. The goal is to better understand how these markers change over time, which could help design more effective future …
Sponsor: University of Miami • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
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Smart sleeve study aims to improve movement for nerve disease patients
Knowledge-focused By invitation onlyThis study follows 1000 people with upper motor neuron disease who are about to receive the Cionic Neural Sleeve. The sleeve uses electrical stimulation to help muscles contract at the right time during movement. Researchers will track changes in health-related quality of life us…
Sponsor: Cionic, Inc. • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:04 UTC
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Standing wheelchairs for kids: a tiny study hopes to open doors
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study looks at whether a power wheelchair that can lift a child from sitting to standing is practical for kids with conditions like cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, or genetic diseases. Only 4 children aged 5-17 are taking part. The goal is to see if the chair helps the…
Sponsor: Grand Valley State University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 17:22 UTC
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Wearable sensors track tiny movements in SMA babies on Cutting-Edge therapies
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study follows 35 infants with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) who are receiving gene therapy or other advanced treatments. Researchers use small wearable motion sensors to measure how well the babies move their arms and legs over two years. The goal is to create a more precise…
Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 17:15 UTC