Jesy Nelson calls plan to test newborns for deadly muscle condition a 'victory'
Summary
All newborn babies in England will be tested for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a serious muscle-weakening genetic disease, starting as part of a study in October 2026. Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson, whose twin daughters have SMA, has campaigned for this screening, which can identify affected babies early so they can receive life-saving treatments before symptoms appear.Key Facts
- SMA causes muscle weakness that affects walking, breathing, and swallowing; severe cases can be fatal before age two.
- Gene therapies exist that can treat SMA if given early, before symptoms start.
- England will begin newborn blood tests for SMA in October 2026 as part of a large study, with full rollout planned by October 2027.
- Scotland already has newborn screening for SMA in place.
- The test is done using a blood sample from a heel prick shortly after birth.
- Jesy Nelson’s twin daughters were diagnosed with SMA and may never walk.
- The study is led by scientists at the University of Oxford and will help decide if SMA screening becomes permanent.
- Health Secretary James Murray praised campaigners raising awareness of SMA and emphasized the importance of early treatment.
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