Spinal Muscular Atrophy Legislation Update

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Back in July, I wrote that spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) legislation was going to soon be introduced in Congress.

Prior to the August recess, legislation to enhance federal support for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) research was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressmen Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) and Eric Cantor (R-VA). The bill, H.R. 3334, would authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct activities to rapidly advance treatments for spinal muscular atrophy, neuromuscular disease and other pediatric diseases. More information can be found on GovTrack.us.

The FightSMA website reports that U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) will introduce companion legislation in the Senate when Congress returns from its August district work period.

You can read more about spinal muscular atrophy and “The SMA Treatment Acceleration Act” here.