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Nusinersen: First Global Approval

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Abstract

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by muscle atrophy and weakness resulting from motor neuron degeneration in the spinal cord and brainstem. It is most commonly caused by insufficient levels of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein (which is critical for motor neuron maintenance) secondary to deletions or mutations in the SMN1 gene. Nusinersen (SPINRAZA™) is a modified antisense oligonucleotide that binds to a specific sequence in the intron, downstream of exon 7 on the pre-messenger ribonucleic acid (pre-mRNA) of the SMN2 gene. This modulates the splicing of the SMN2 mRNA transcript to include exon 7, thereby increasing the production of full-length SMN protein. Nusinersen is approved in the USA for intrathecal use in paediatric and adult patients with SMA. Regulatory assessments for nusinersen as a treatment for SMA are underway in the EU and several other countries. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of nusinersen leading to this first approval for SMA in paediatric and adult patients.

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Disclosure

The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding. During the peer review process the manufacturer of the agent under review was offered an opportunity to comment on the article. Changes resulting from any comments received were made by the author on the basis of scientific completeness and accuracy. Sheridan Hoy is a salaried employee of Adis, Springer SBM.

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  1. Springer, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, 0754, Auckland, New Zealand

    Sheridan M. Hoy

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  1. Sheridan M. Hoy
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Correspondence to Sheridan M. Hoy.

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This profile has been extracted and modified from the AdisInsight database. AdisInsight tracks drug development worldwide through the entire development process, from discovery, through pre-clinical and clinical studies to market launch and beyond.

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Hoy, S.M. Nusinersen: First Global Approval. Drugs 77, 473–479 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-017-0711-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-017-0711-7

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