Skip to main content
Logo icon
Robert Courts
Former MP for Witney

Main navigation

  • Home
  • About Robert
  • Contact
Logo icon
Robert Courts
Former MP for Witney

Robert Celebrates Spinraza Breakthrough

  • Tweet
Wednesday, 15 May, 2019
  • Westminster News
SMA

The NHS has announced that it has reached a deal that will make the treatment Spinraza available for those with Spinal Muscle Atrophy. 

NICE said in August last year that it could not recommend Spinraza as a cost effective treatment. The rejection came as a great disappointment to campaigners who have since pressed NICE, the NHS, and manufacturer Biogen to break the deadlock to ensure Spinraza is made available to patients on the NHS.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the leading genetic cause of infant mortality, affecting one in every 10,000 live births. About 60 percent of patients have the most severe Type 1 form of the disease, which often leads to paralysis, impaired breathing and death by the second birthday.

Speaking after the announcement, Robert said: "Back in February, I met my constituents Mat and Jo at a SMA event in Parliament. They told me the story of their young daughter, who has SMA, and of their desire to have the drug Spinraza approved by NICE and thus available to patients like her on the NHS. Following the meeting, I wrote to the Chief Executive of NICE to express my support for the campaign and to press for the deadlock to end.

"I am therefore delighted at the truly wonderful news that this potentially life-changing treatment is now available to those living with SMA. This would not have been possible without the hard-work and passion of people like Mat and Jo."

You may also be interested in

Health

Future of Oxfordshire's Healthcare

Local healthcare services are important to us all: doesn’t everyone want to know that, if a loved one falls ill, they will receive the very best care?
Witney Community Hospital

High Quality Healthcare for All

Since being elected as your MP, healthcare has been one of my very highest priorities.
Robert Courts MP

Supporting our Local Pensioners

Wednesday, 15 May, 2024
I am very aware of concerns raised recently on the freezing of tax thresholds. I am, and always will be, a strong proponent of a low tax economy. I have long called for a clear pathway to be laid out towards lower taxation and lower regulation.

Show only

  • Articles
  • Local News
  • Media
  • Opinions
  • Speeches in Parliament
  • Westminster News

Robert Courts Former MP for Witney

Footer

  • About RSS
  • Accessibility
  • Cookies
  • Privacy
  • About Robert Courts
ConservativesPromoted by Sara Abey on behalf of Robert Courts, both of Witney Conservative Association, 58-60 High Street, Witney OX28 6HJ
Copyright 2025 Robert Courts Former MP for Witney . All rights reserved.
Powered by Bluetree