States » SouthPosted at: Jun 19 2025 9:07AM


India’s 1st pre-symptomatic treatment on par with US-Canada now in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, June 19 (UNI) For the first time in India, a newborn diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) received pre-symptomatic treatment within days of birth in Kerala, marking a significant milestone in the treatment of rare diseases.
The pre-symptomatic treatment, which has shown high efficacy in developed countries like the United States and Canada, was successfully implemented in Kerala as well.
The newborn, the second child of a woman from Thiruvananthapuram, was administered the expensive drug Risdiplam free of cost.
Health Minister Veena George congratulated the entire medical team for delivering world-class advanced treatment that has set a national model.
One of the key challenges in treating SMA is the difficulty in detecting genetic abnormalities and risk factors early. However, pre-symptomatic treatment allows for the administration of medication during pregnancy or within days after birth, enabling effective early intervention. Such early treatment often results in children achieving 100% normal development.
The mother from Thiruvananthapuram, herself affected by SMA, became aware of the genetic risk for her unborn child and appealed to the government for support. Upon learning of the case, Minister Veena George directed the Child Health Nodal Officer to take immediate action. Treatment was subsequently arranged at the S.A.T. Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram.
Given the critical nature of the condition, each stage of the unborn child’s development was closely monitored by an expert panel, and the treatment plan has been formulated accordingly.
Genetic counseling was also provided, and protocols followed in developed countries were adopted for this case.
If both parents are carriers of the SMA gene mutation, there is a 50% chance of their children inheriting the disease. Studies suggest that in India, one in every 7,000 births may be affected by SMA.
In a pioneering move, the Kerala government has established a special scheme for the comprehensive care of children affected by rare diseases -- first of its kind in India.
In 2024, Kerala launched 'CARE' Project and under this initiative, over 100 children with rare conditions including SMA are being given expensive medications and free corrective spinal surgeries.
UNI DS ARN
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