QUEBEC JOINS THE RANKS OF PROVINCES SCREENING NEWBORNS FOR SMA

QUEBEC JOINS THE RANKS OF PROVINCES SCREENING NEWBORNS FOR SMA

We are thrilled to announce that spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has been added to the newborn screening panel in Quebec, a significant milestone for the province and Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC). Screening is being integrated now, with full implementation to take place by the end of 2023.

Extensive conversations, collaboration and financial contributions ($583,778) towards the lab program at CHU de Québec-Université Laval, equipment, and building an evidence-based pathway for the early initiation of disease- modifying therapy for individuals with SMA across Quebec, led to this exciting change in policy.

“We couldn’t be happier with the recent news”, said Stacey Lintern, CEO, Muscular Dystrophy Canada. “The addition of SMA to the panel means that infants and families in Quebec will now equitably benefit from the same opportunities as the majority of other Canadians, gaining access to early detection possibly before the onset of symptoms.”

In neuromuscular disorders like SMA, early diagnosis and prompt access to treatments are critical to achieving the best possible outcomes.

“For families, what matters is for their child to have the best chance in life, to be able to do as much as they’re able to do. That is what we can offer with newborn screening for SMA”, said Dr Hugh McMillan, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Ottawa, Pediatric Neurologist and Neuromuscular Specialist at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and Clinical Investigator at the CHEO Research Institute. You can watch Dr McMillan’s video here.

We thank our partner Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. as well as donors, clinicians, researchers, families affected by SMA, and Fire Fighters who collaborated with MDC to advocate for the inclusion of SMA on the newborn screening panel.

MDC is currently working with the Maritime provinces to bring newborn screening for SMA to that part of the country. For more information on MDC’s efforts in ensuring all Canadian babies are screened for SMA, visit muscle.ca/services-support/newborn-screening/