Implementation of Nationwide Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Serbia

In a paper published in the International Journal of Neonatal Screening, researchers from the University of Belgrade recount their journey to secure nationwide implementation of newborn screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in Serbia. Although the path was challenging, they succeeded in making state-wide newborn screening become a reality through a stepwise plan that included a laboratory validation step, a feasibility study on a smaller cohort of newborns, and finally the transition to a national program.  

The newborn screening program makes use of our SALSA^® MC002 SMA Newborn Screen melt assay for the initial screening step, after which any (suspected) positive samples are tested again with SALSA^® MLPA Probemix P021 SMA. Since September of 2023, more than 54,000 Serbian newborns have been tested for SMA, identifying six positive cases for which treatment could be started on time. Three more cases were identified during the 17 month feasibility study, enabling these patients to receive therapeutic interventions even before exhibiting symptoms.

MRC Holland is proud to contribute to this big step forward in Serbia!