The first batch of risdiplam for patients with SMA was delivered to Russia

The first batch of the drug risdiplam for patients with spinal muscular atrophy ( SMA ) was sent to Russia. The medicine will be used as part of the pre-registration access program , the press service of the pharmaceutical company Roche told Takim Dela.

“We continue to work to ensure that all patients with SMA types 1 and 2, whose participation in the pre-registration access program for risdiplam has been agreed upon and confirmed by all authorities, can receive treatment with the drug,” the company noted.

The number of program participants is not regulated; the decision on participation is made by the doctor. Patients with SMA types 1 and 2 who are not indicated for treatment with other medications can participate in the program, the press service noted.

In January, Roche announced the launch of a global pre-marketing access program for risdiplam for patients with type 1 SMA. Director of the SMA Families Foundation Olga Germanenko told Takim Dela who the program is aimed at and how to get the medicine. At the end of March, a program for pre-registration access to risdiplam for patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 2 opened in Russia.

In Russia, only one drug is registered for the treatment of SMA - Spinraza. Its purchase must be paid for by regional authorities, but due to the high cost of the drug, not all patients receive treatment .