The newly licensed intrathecal gene therapy expands life-changing treatment options for children and adults affected by SMAMedcare Women & Children Hospital has successfully administered a pioneering intrathecal gene therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) to Hulus, a three-year-old patient from Turkey. This newly licensed one-time therapy addresses the root genetic cause by delivering a functional SMN1 gene. “This is a defining moment for SMA care in the region,” said Dr. Shanila Laiju, Group CEO of Medcare Hospitals & Medical Centres. “Families whose children were previously ineligible for gene therapy now have access to a revolutionary treatment that can significantly improve outcomes. “This shifts SMA care beyond infant survival toward preserving mobility, independence, and respiratory function in older patients.”Medcare delivers SMA care through a multidisciplinary model encompassing neurology, pulmonology, orthopaedics, rehabilitation, genetic counselling, and long-term follow-up for international patients.

Source: GNN Liberia December 30, 2025 11:45 UTC