270th ENMC International Workshop: Consensus for SMN2 genetic analysis in SMA patients 10-12 March, 2023, Hoofddorp, the Netherlands.

The 270th ENMC workshop aimed to develop a common procedure to optimize the reliability of SMN2 gene copy number determination and to reinforce collaborative networks between molecular scientists and clinicians. The workshop involved neuromuscular and clinical experts and representatives of patient advocacy groups and industry. SMN2 copy number is currently one of the main determinants for therapeutic decision in SMA patients: participants discussed the issues that laboratories may encounter in this molecular test and the cruciality of the accurate determination, due the implications as prognostic factor in symptomatic patients and in individuals identified through newborn screening programmes. At the end of the workshop, the attendees defined a set of recommendations divided into four topics: SMA molecular prognosis assessment, newborn screening for SMA, SMN2 copies and treatments, and modifiers and biomarkers. Moreover, the group draw up a series of recommendations for the companies manufacturing laboratory kits, that will help to minimize the risk of errors, regardless of the laboratories' expertise.
Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest E.A. has no conflict of interest to declare M.C.R. has no conflict of interest to declare E.S.B is advisor/consultant for AveXis, Biogen, Edison, Novartis, and Roche; grants from Fondazione Telethon and the Italian Ministry of Health. F.D.T. has received independent research grant on SMA newborn screening by Biogen and serves as consultant to Biogen, Novartis and Roche E.F.T. discloses grant support to conduct CTs and Research on SMA from Ionis/Biogen and Roche and serves as a consultant to AveXis, Novartis, Biogen, Biologix, Cytokinetics, and Roche.
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