Two life-changing treatments have been given the green light for routine NHS use, offering renewed hope to hundreds of children living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Nusinersen, an injectable drug and the first-ever disease-modifying therapy for SMA, and oral treatment risdiplam were previously only accessible through a special scheme while further evidence on their effectiveness was gathered. However, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has now officially approved both treatments for routine and widespread use across the NHS in England. Without medical intervention, symptoms of the most severe form of SMA (Type 1) can progress quickly, with life expectancy estimated at less than two years, according to Muscular Dystrophy UK , but now NHS England said the therapies have now helped 73 children with the condition survive to aged five or older.…