How common is SMA?
In addition to its severity, SMA is a relatively common genetic disease. 1 in 40 Americans are carriers, or approximately 7 million people. Over 25,000 Americans are believed to suffer from SMA, comparable in prevalence to better-known diseases such as ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and Cystic Fibrosis. The incidence of SMA, an estimated one in every 6,000 live births, is similar to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Tay Sachs Disease (in the Jewish population).
1 in 35-40 Americans are carriers, or approximately 7 million people. Over 25,000 Americans are believed to suffer from SMA, comparable in prevalence to better-known diseases such as ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and Cystic Fibrosis. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 6,000 to 1 in 10,000 infants are born annually worldwide with SMA, and the incidence is similar to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Tay Sachs Disease (in the Jewish population).
