Roche extends Risdiplam compassionate use programme

Roche, the pharmaceutical company behind the SMA treatment Risdiplam, has extended its compassionate use programme to potentially include patients who cannot receive Spinraza because of Covid-19.

People with SMA Type 1 and 2 may be able to take the oral drug if Spinraza, the first treatment for the condition, cannot be accessed.

NHS England says it is not aware of any centres that have stopped offering the treatment. But some concerns have been raised by families about attending hospital during the pandemic.

The NHS England Clinical Panel has provided an information statement for families, which you can read here.

Any applications for Roche's compassionate use programme must be made by clinicians. Individuals and their families should also get in touch with their clinician if they have any questions around treatment.

You can find out more about Spinraza here.