Invitae Corporation recently announced that it will partner with Biogen to offer genetic testing at no charge to patients who may have spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The program is called SMA Identified, and is intended to more quickly diagnose patients who may have SMA, or confirm a clinical diagnosis of SMA. The test also reports on the number of SMN2 copies the patient has.
The program is open to residents of the United States and Puerto Rico. The test is intended for individuals who are suspected of having SMA; or who are diagnosed but do not know their SMN2 copy number; or who have a family history of the disease.
A U.S.-based healthcare provider must request the test in order for the patient to qualify. As part of their partnership, Biogen will provide financial support for this program. However, Biogen will not receive any identifiable patient information from the testing.
For more information on SMA Identified visit www.invitae.com/sma-identified.