All newborns in England will undergo screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) through a heel prick test, starting from October 2026. This initiative follows advocacy from Jesy Nelson, whose twin daughters have been diagnosed with the condition. Early detection is crucial as it allows for timely treatment, which can significantly improve outcomes for affected infants.
The screening program, which will expand by October 2027, aims to provide families with early diagnosis and access to potential gene therapies. The initiative is expected to benefit hundreds of thousands of babies and is supported by the University of Oxford's research team.