We were delighted to be joined in our SMA seminar by SMA researchers Dr Melissa Bowerman and Sam Fitzsimmons, consultant paediatric neurologists Dr Elizabeth Wraige and Dr Miguel Fernandez, Specialist Paediatric Physiotherapist Dr Felicity Vann, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Natalie Smith, and Liz Ryburn from SMA UK.
The session began with Dr Melissa Bowerman giving an update on SMA research including the status of their current projects and how collaboration has been key to making further progress. This was followed by presentations from Sam Fitzsimmons highlighting the work of SMA Reach and the coordination of future clinical trials.
Dr Elizabeth Wraige then gave an overview of the standards of care SMA as well as treatments such as Spinraza (Nursinersen), Zolgensma and the not yet available SMA drug, Risdiplam. Following this there was a discussion on living well and the importance of physiotherapy as well as other types of therapy in the paediatric management of SMA.
You can watch the full recording of the seminar above or on our YouTube channel.
There will be seminars throughout the year in our MDUK Muscles Matter 2021 online seminar series, including condition-specific sessions, practical sessions such as financial support and psychological care to help you live well, and seminars looking into ways you can manage your condition such as cardiac management or diet and nutrition.
You can see the full list and book onto these Zoom seminars here.