Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a group of hereditary diseases that progressively destroys motor neurons—nerve cells in the brain stem and spinal cord that control essential skeletal muscle activity such as speaking, walking, breathing, and swallowing, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. (Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; Spinal Muscular Atrophy Fact Sheet)
Medications Covered
Evrysdi
Prednisolone
Spinraza
Zolgensma
Disease Description
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a group of hereditary diseases that progressively destroys motor neurons—nerve cells in the brain stem and spinal cord that control essential skeletal muscle activity such as speaking, walking, breathing, and swallowing, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. (Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; Spinal Muscular Atrophy Fact Sheet)