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Most children with biallelic SMN1deletions and three SMN2copies develop spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 2. SPR1NT (NCT03505099), a Phase III, multicenter, single-arm trial, investigated the efficacy and safety of onasemnogene abeparvovec for presymptomatic children with biallelic SMN1mutations treated within six postnatal weeks. Of 15 children with three SMN2copies treated before symptom onset, all stood independently before 24 months (P< 0.0001; 14 within normal developmental window), and 14 walked independently (P< 0.0001; 11 within normal developmental window). All survived without permanent ventilation at 14 months; ten (67%) maintained body weight (≥3rd WHO percentile) without feeding support through 24 months; and none required nutritional or respiratory support. No serious adverse events were considered treatment-related by the investigator. Onasemnogene abeparvovec was effective and well-tolerated for presymptomatic infants at risk of SMA type 2, underscoring the urgency of early identification and intervention.

For presymptomatic infants at risk for SMA type 1, onasemnogene abeparvovec improves motor outcomes, ventilator-free survival, and nutritional/respiratory independence compared with untreated or treated symptomatic patients

While Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) has historically been managed with supportive measures, the emergence of innovative medicines has given those living with SMA hope for improved quality of life and has revolutionized care. Despite these advances, the use of therapies and changes in disease management strategies have focused on pediatric populations, leaving adults living with SMA, and those transitioning into adulthood, relatively neglected. Through a multi-faceted approach that gathered unbiased perspectives from clinical experts, validated insights from individuals with lived experiences, and substantiated findings with evidence from the literature, we have exposed unmet needs that are hindering the field and, ultimately, impacting care and quality of life for adults living with SMA. Here, we set new aspirations and calls to action to inspire continued research in this field, stimulate dialogue across the SMA community and inform policies that deliver effective management and care throughout an adult’s journey living with SMA.

Nusinersen showed a favourable benefit–risk profile in participants with infantile-onset spinal muscular atrophy at the interim analysis of a phase 2 clinical study. We present the study's final analysis, assessing the efficacy and safety of nusinersen over 3 years.

While Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) has historically been managed with supportive measures, the emergence of innovative medicines has given those living with SMA hope for improved quality of life and has revolutionized care. Despite these advances, the use of therapies and changes in disease management strategies have focused on pediatric populations, leaving adults living with SMA, and those transitioning into adulthood, relatively neglected. Through a multi-faceted approach that gathered unbiased perspectives from clinical experts, validated insights from individuals with lived experiences, and substantiated findings with evidence from the literature, we have exposed unmet needs that are hindering the field and, ultimately, impacting care and quality of life for adults living with SMA. Here, we set new aspirations and calls to action to inspire continued research in this field, stimulate dialogue across the SMA community and inform policies that deliver effective management and care throughout an adult’s journey living with SMA.

IMPORTANCE: One major advantage of developing large, federally funded networks for clinical research in neurology is the ability to have a trial-ready network that can efficiently conduct scientifically rigorous projects to improve the health of people with neurologic disorders. OBSERVATIONS: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Network for Excellence in Neuroscience Clinical Trials (NeuroNEXT) was established in 2011 and renewed in 2018 with the goal of being an efficient network to test between 5 and 7 promising new agents in phase II clinical trials. A clinical coordinating center, data coordinating center, and 25 sites were competitively chosen. Common infrastructure was developed to accelerate timelines for clinical trials, including central institutional review board (a first for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke), master clinical trial agreements, the use of common data elements, and experienced research sites and coordination centers. During the first 7 years, the network exceeded the goal of conducting 5 to 7 studies, with 9 funded. High interest was evident by receipt of 148 initial applications for potential studies in various neurologic disorders. Across the first 8 studies (the ninth study was funded at end of initial funding period), the central institutional review board approved the initial protocol in a mean (SD) of 59 (21) days, and additional sites were added a mean (SD) of 22 (18) days after submission. The median time from central institutional review board approval to first site activation was 47.5 days (mean, 102.1; range, 1-282) and from first site activation to first participant consent was 27 days (mean, 37.5; range, 0-96). The median time for database readiness was 3.5 months (mean, 4.0; range, 0-8) from funding receipt. In the 4 completed studies, enrollment met or exceeded expectations with 96% overall data accuracy across all sites. Nine peer-reviewed manuscripts were published, and 22 oral presentations or posters and 9 invited presentations were given at regional, national, and international meetings. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: NeuroNEXT initiated 8 studies, successfully enrolled participants at or ahead of schedule, collected high-quality data, published primary results in high-impact journals, and provided mentorship, expert statistical, and trial management support to several new investigators. Partnerships were successfully created between government, academia, industry, foundations, and patient advocacy groups. Clinical trial consortia can efficiently and successfully address a range of important neurologic research and therapeutic questions.

(Abstracted from Genet Med2020;22:1296–1302)Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is associated with muscle weakness and atrophy. There are several subtypes that are categorized as SMA type 1 (presenting in early infancy), where infants are unable to sit unassisted; SMA type 2 (presenting between 6 and 18 months of age), where patients are unable to walk independently; SMA type 3 (presenting after 18 months of age), where some patients were able to walk independently, but others lose this ability; and SMA type 4 (presenting in adulthood), which is rare and less severe.

Recruitment and retention of research participants are challenging and critical components of successful clinical trials and natural history studies. Infants with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have been a particularly challenging population to study due to their fragile and complex medical issues, poor prognosis and, until 2016, a lack of effective therapies. Recruitment of healthy infants into clinical trials and natural history studies is also challenging and sometimes assumed to not be feasible.

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.To quantitatively describe passive lower extremity range of motion in patients with spinal muscle atrophy types 2 and 3, and to establish preliminary thresholds to identify individuals at risk for performing poorly on disease-specific motor function outcome measures.

Nusinersen is a 2′-O-methoxyethyl phosphorothioate-modified antisense drug being developed to treat spinal muscular atrophy. Nusinersen is specifically designed to alter splicing of SMN2pre-mRNA and thus increase the amount of functional survival motor neuron (SMN) protein that is deficient in patients with spinal muscular atrophy.

Adverse effects of fetal drug exposures on fetal growth are well documented. Intrauterine growth retardation, especially of the brain, may indirectly mediate drug effects on cognition. The abnormal neonatal neurobehaviors noted on standardized tests such as the Brazelton do not correlate well with adverse subsequent development. Ethanol is an undisputed teratogen whereas the teratogenicity of other substances has not been firmly established. Although the evidence for the fetal alcohol syndrome is compelling, evidence for more subtle ethanol-related attentional deficits, learning deficits, and impaired speech is not as robust. An opioid withdrawal syndrome is also well established, but a fetal cocaine withdrawal akin to opioid withdrawal appears unlikely. A transient hypertonia during infancy is described with fetal cocaine exposure, and children so affected may have developmental delays. Executive function, including attentional measures, appears to be affected among cocaine-exposed children. Finally, heavy prenatal exposure to tobacco, marijuana, and cocaine may be associated with cognitive, neurologic, or behavioral effects.

Despite a number of published reports, there is limited information about carnitine metabolism in the newborn. To establish normative data, we analyzed whole-blood carnitine concentrations in 24,644 newborns at age 1.85 ± 0.95 d and umbilical cord whole blood and plasma carnitine concentrations in 50 full-term newborns. Total carnitine (TC), free carnitine (FC), and acylcarnitine (AC) were measured by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. AC/FC ratios were derived from these measurements. The entire cohort was stratified according to TC values into a middle TC group representing 90 of the population and lower and upper TC groups representing 5 of the population, respectively. Normative data were derived from the middle TC group of full-term infants (N19,595). TC was 72.42 ± 20.75 M, FC was 44.94 ± 14.99 M, AC was 27.48 ± 8.05 M, and AC/FC ratio was 0.64 ± 0.19 (±SD). These values differed significantly from umbilical cord whole blood TC values of 31.27 ± 10.54 M determined in 50 samples. No meaningful correlation was found between TC and gestational age or birth weight in any group. In controlled analyses, prematurity was not associated with TC levels, whereas low birth weight (<2500 g) and male sex were significantly associated with higher TC levels. The association of low birth weight with higher TC values may be related to decreased tissue carnitine uptake. The sex effect may be related to hormonal influences on carnitine metabolism. Our study provides normative data of carnitine values measured by the highly precise method of electrospray tandem mass spectrometry in a large cohort of newborns and provides the basis for future studies of carnitine metabolism in health and disease states during the neonatal period.

Despite a number of published reports, there is limited information about carnitine metabolism in the newborn. To establish normative data, we analyzed whole-blood carnitine concentrations in 24,644 newborns at age 1.85 ± 0.95 d and umbilical cord whole blood and plasma carnitine concentrations in 50 full-term newborns. Total carnitine (TC), free carnitine (FC), and acylcarnitine (AC) were measured by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. AC/FC ratios were derived from these measurements. The entire cohort was stratified according to TC values into a middle TC group representing 90% of the population and lower and upper TC groups representing 5% of the population, respectively. Normative data were derived from the middle TC group of full-term infants (N = 19,595). TC was 72.42 ± 20.75 µM, FC was 44.94 ± 14.99 µM, AC was 27.48 ± 8.05 µM, and AC/FC ratio was 0.64 ± 0.19 (±SD). These values differed significantly from umbilical cord whole blood TC values of 31.27 ± 10.54 µM determined in 50 samples. No meaningful correlation was found between TC and gestational age or birth weight in any group. In controlled analyses, prematurity was not associated with TC levels, whereas low birth weight (<2500 g) and male sex were significantly associated with higher TC levels. The association of low birth weight with higher TC values may be related to decreased tissue carnitine uptake. The sex effect may be related to hormonal influences on carnitine metabolism. Our study provides normative data of carnitine values measured by the highly precise method of electrospray tandem mass spectrometry in a large cohort of newborns and provides the basis for future studies of carnitine metabolism in health and disease states during the neonatal period.

Risdiplam (EVRYSDI®) is an oral survival of motor neuron 2 (SMN2) pre-mRNA splicing modifier approved by the EMA and MHRA for the treatment of patients aged ≥2 months, with a clinical diagnosis of Type 1, 2 or 3 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) or 1–4 SMN2 copies.JEWELFISH (NCT03032172) is an open-label study of risdiplam in patients with SMA who previously received RG7800 (RO6885247), nusinersen (SPINRAZA®), olesoxime or onasemnogene abeparvovec (ZOLGENSMA®).JEWELFISH assesses the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PD) relationship of risdiplam in a broad range of ages (1–60 years), SMA types (1–3), SMN2 copy numbers (1–4) and motor function (nonsitters, sitters and walkers). We previously presented safety data from 173 patients (data cut-off: 31 July 2020): 13 previously received RG7800, 76 received nusinersen, 70 received olesoxime and 14 received onasemnogene abeparvovec. Risdiplam led to a rapid and sustained >2-fold increase in SMN protein (data cut-off: 1 June 2020), consistent with data from treatment-nai¨ve patients with Types 2/3 SMA (SUNFISH; NCT02908685).No drug-related safety findings leading to withdrawal were reported for any patients in JEWELFISH. The safety profile of risdiplam was consistent with observations in treatment-nai¨ve patients. Here we present 12-month safety, PD and exploratory efficacy data.

Risdiplam (EVRYSDI®) is a centrally and peripherally distributed, oral survival of motor neuron 2 (SMN2) premRNA splicing modifier approved by the EMA and MHRA for the treatment of patients aged ≥2 months, with a clinical diagnosis of Type 1, 2 or 3 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) or 1–4 copies of SMN2.Safety data were pooled from three studies within the risdiplam clinical development programme:FIREFISH (NCT02913482) assesses safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD) and efficacy of risdiplam in infants with Type 1 SMASUNFISH (NCT02908685) assesses safety, tolerability, PK, PD and efficacy of risdiplam in patients with Types 2/3 SMAJEWELFISH (NCT03032172) assesses safety, tolerability, PK and PD of risdiplam in patients who previously received RG7800 (RO6885247), nusinersen (SPINRAZA®), olesoxime or onasemnogene abeparvovec (ZOLGENSMA®).Pooled analyses from FIREFISH, SUNFISH and JEWELFISH showed no treatment-related safety findings leading to withdrawal from risdiplam in 465 patients treated for up to 38.9 months (data-cut-offs: 14 November 2019, 15 January 2020 and 31 January 2020, respectively). The differences in adverse event profiles between Type 1 and Types 2/3 SMA populations appeared to be driven by the severity of the underlying disease. Here we will present updated pooled safety analyses for the risdiplam studies.

Risdiplam is a centrally and peripherally distributed oral survival of motor neuron 2 (SMN2) pre mRNA splicing modifier that increases the levels of functional SMN protein. Risdiplam (EVRYSDI™) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), aged 2 months and older. The risdiplam clinical development programme consists of four studies in a broad population of individuals with SMA.FIREFISH (NCT02913482) and SUNFISH (NCT02908685) are two-part studies assessing safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD) and efficacy in infants with Type 1 SMA and patients with Type 2/3 SMA, respectively. JEWELFISH (NCT0302172) assesses safety, tolerability, PK and PD in patients with SMA who previously received RG7800 (R06885247), nusinersen (SPINRAZA®), olesoxime or onasemno- gene abeparvovec-xioi (ZOLGENSMA®). RAINBOWFISH (NCT03779334) assesses efficacy, safety, PK and PD in infants with genetically diagnosed and presymptomatic SMA.Pooled analyses of FIREFISH and SUNFISH Parts 1 and 2 and JEWELFISH were conducted to determine the long-term safety profile of risdiplam. At the data-cut (15th January 2020) no treatment-related safety findings led to withdrawal from up to 39 months’ risdiplam treatment in 465 patients. Here we will present updated pooled safety analyses for the risdiplam studies.g.baranello@ucl.ac.uk

ABSTRACT: Cocaine is a highly psychoactive substance with numerous effects that readily crosses the placenta, achieving variables levels in the fetus. Determining whether prenatal exposure to cocaine and its metabolites damages the developing human nervous system is hindered by the multiple intervening factors (confounders) that plague clinical settings, which warrant consideration in controlled studies. Prenatal cocaine exposure has been linked to numerous adverse neonatal outcomes, affecting fetal growth (i.e., low birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation, and small head size) and neurobehavior. These neurobehavior effects span the gamut from no abnormalities to impairments in arousal, neurological function, neurophysiological function, and state regulation. Strokes and possibly seizures are also noted. Dose‐response effects of fetal cocaine exposure on fetal growth and neonatal neurobehavior are reported using quantitative methods of ascertainment. In early infancy, irritability and hypertonia are also described. Most cocaine associations are transient and resolve in infancy and early childhood. Whether such transient abnormalities place infants at increased risk for later neurodevelopmental impairments is not known. Controlled studies have found no cognitive differences related to prenatal cocaine exposure among toddlers or school age children, except as mediated through effects on head growth. Anecdotally, cocaine‐exposed children seem to suffer from neurobehavioral abnormalities, but to date controlled studies have not established an association between cocaine and behavioral disorders, except for inattentiveness. Despite encouraging reports, the question of whether cocaine exerts long‐term adverse effects on the developing human nervous system has not yet been resolved, largely because of the limitations of existing studies that rely on inadequate, mostly qualitative ascertainment of cocaine exposure as well as the dearth of studies in older children. Such methodological limitations may have compromised our ability to identify cocaine‐exposed children at most risk.

Central nervous system Candidainfection may occur in systemic Candidainfection when host defenses are impaired. We report here a 20-month-old boy with normal immune status and no history of immunosuppressive therapy who developed left facial weakness, decreased left hand strength and coordination, and worsening gait. This paper describes the diagnostic procedures and management strategies employed in this unique case.

Alcohol and drug use by pregnant women is harmful to the developing embryo and fetus. The risks to the neonate include intrauterine growth retardation, birth defects, altered neurobehavior, and withdrawal syndromes. Subsequent behavior, development, and neurologic function also may be impaired. This article describes the risks associated with fetal exposure to cigarette smoking, marijuana, alcohol, cocaine, and opiates and briefly reviews some of the methodologic problems of ascertaining individual fetal drug effects.

L’onasemnogène abeparvovec (AVXS-101), une thérapie de remplacement du gène SMNa amélioré les résultats chez des patients atteints d’ASI-1.

BackgroundOnasemnogene abeparvovec (AVXS-101) is a gene-replacement therapy that treats the genetic root cause of SMA, biallelic survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1) deletion/mutation. In a phase 1 study, AVXS-101 improved survival and motor function of symptomatic SMA type 1 patients. In SPR1NT (NCT03505099), AVXS-101 is being evaluated in presymptomatic newborns with SMA.MethodsSPR1NT is a multicenter, open-label, phase 3 study enrolling ≥27 SMA patients with 2xSMN2or 3xSMN2. Asymptomatic infants aged ≤6 weeks receive a one-time, intravenous AVXS-101 infusion. Safety and efficacy are assessed through 18 or 24 months for patients with 2x or 3xSMN2, respectively. Primary outcomes are independent sitting ≥30 seconds (2xSMN2) or assisted standing (3xSMN2).ResultsAs of 8 March 2019, 18 infants aged 8–40 days received AVXS-101 (11 female; 8 with 2xSMN2; 9 with 3xSMN2; 1 with 4xSMN2). Among patients with 2xSMN2, mean CHOP-INTEND at baseline was 44.0 points, which increased by 14.4 points at 3 months (n=7); 6/8 patients scored ≥60 points; 3/8 reached maximum score. 4/8 patients sat unassisted; all ages of sitting milestone achievements were within the WHO range (1st–99th percentile: 3.8–9.2 months).ConclusionsPreliminary data from SPR1NT show rapid motor function improvements in presymptomatic SMA patients.

BackgroundOnasemnogene abeparvovec (AVXS-101), a one-time intravenous gene-replacement therapy, treats the genetic root cause of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In the phase 1 study, AVXS-101 dramatically improved survival, motor function, and motor milestone achievement in SMA type 1 (SMA1) patients.MethodsSTR1VE is a phase 3, multicenter, open-label study (NCT03306277) in SMA1 patients <6 months (bi-allelic survival motor neuron 1 gene [SMN1] mutations/deletions, 2 SMN2copies). Primary outcomes are independent sitting ≥30 seconds at 18 months of age, and survival (no death/permanent ventilation) at 14 months. Secondary outcomes include ability to thrive and ventilatory support at 18 months. Exploratory outcomes include CHOP-INTEND and Bayley-III.ResultsEnrollment is complete (22 patients dosed). Mean age at symptom onset, genetic diagnosis, and enrollment was 1.9 (0–4.0), 2.1 (0.5–4.0), and 3.7 (0.5–5.9) months. At baseline, no patient required ventilatory/nutritional support. Mean baseline CHOP-INTEND: 32.6 (17.0–52.0) points; increased by 6.9 (-4.0–16.0), 9.2 (0–18.0), and 11.7 (-3.0–23.0) points at 1, 2, and 3 months; independent sitting: 11/22 patients; survival at 13.6 months: 13/15 (87%) (8 March 2019 datacut).ConclusionsPreliminary data from the AVXS-101 phase 3 study show rapid motor function improvements in SMA1 patients, paralleling phase 1 findings.

IntroductionSMA1 is a neurodegenerative disease caused by bi-allelic survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1) deletion/mutation. In the phase 1 study, SMNGRT onasemnogene abeparvovec (AVXS-101) improved outcomes of symptomatic SMA1 patients. We report preliminary data of STR1VE, a pivotal study (NCT03306277) evaluating efficacy and safety of a one-time intravenous AVXS-101 infusion.MethodsSTR1VE is a phase 3, multicenter, open-label, single-arm study in SMA1 patients aged <6 months (bi-allelic SMN1loss, 2xSMN2). Primary outcomes: independent sitting for ≥30 seconds (18 months) and survival (14 months). Secondary outcomes: ability to thrive and ventilatory support (18 months). Exploratory outcomes: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP-INTEND) and Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development scores.ResultsEnrollment is complete with 22 patients dosed. Mean age at symptom onset, genetic diagnosis, and enrollment was 1.9 (0–4.0), 2.1 (0.5–4.0), and 3.7 (0.5–5.9) months. At baseline, no patient required ventilatory/nutritional support, and all exclusively fed by mouth. Mean baseline CHOP-INTEND score was 32.6 (17.0–52.0), which increased 6.9 (-4.0–16.0, n=20), 10.4 (2.0–18.0, n=12), and 11.6 (-3.0–23.0, n=9) points at 1, 2, and 3 months. Updates will be provided at the congress.ConclusionsPreliminary data from STR1VE show rapid motor function improvements in SMA1 patients, paralleling phase 1 findings.