US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
Scotland first part of the UK to screen babies for ‘devastating’ rare condition
The pilot program will screen newborns during routine blood spot tests to enable earlier treatment and improve outcomes for 3 to 4 babies affected annually in Scotland.
- Starting in early 2026, a two-year pilot program in Scotland will include testing for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in infants through the routine blood spot screening conducted around five days after birth.
- This initiative follows recognition that SMA, a genetic condition causing nerve damage and muscle degeneration, affects three to four infants yearly in Scotland.
- A two-year initiative, supported financially by the Scottish Government and Novartis, will involve the Scottish Newborn Screening Laboratory analyzing blood spot tests to identify the condition early and provide treatment before symptoms appear.
- SMA UK chief Giles Lomax called this a “hugely positive step forward,” while Health Secretary Neil Gray highlighted the commitment to early detection that could improve life outcomes.
- Data from the pilot may support making SMA screening permanent in the UK, promising earlier treatment access and better care for affected babies and families.
Insights by Ground AI
17 Articles
17 Articles
Malvern Gazette+14 Reposted by 14 other sources
Scotland first part of the UK to screen babies for ‘devastating’ rare condition
From early 2026 it is expected babies born in Scotland will be routinely tested for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
·Great Malvern, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Pilot test for rare condition in newborns
Screening could enable earlier treatment and improve life chances Screening of newborn babies to detect and treat a rare condition which causes progressive muscle wastage will begin early next year. Scotland will become the first country in the UK to begin national screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) which affects movement, breathing and swallowing. The Scottish Government and pharmaceutical company Novartis will fund a two-year programm…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources17
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center13Last UpdatedBias Distribution87% Center
Bias Distribution
- 87% of the sources are Center
87% Center
13%
C 87%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
