Hundreds of children living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are set to benefit from two life-changing treatments, which have now received official approval for routine use across the NHS . Nusinersen, an injectable drug and the first disease-modifying therapy for SMA, alongside the oral treatment risdiplam, were previously only available through a special access scheme. This allowed for further evidence on their effectiveness to be gathered. However, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has now formally endorsed both therapies for widespread implementation in England. Without medical intervention, the most severe form of SMA (Type 1) can progress rapidly, with Muscular Dystrophy UK estimating a life expectancy of less than two years. Yet, NHS England has confirmed these therapies have already enabled 73 children with the condition to survive to age five or older.…