Over the past decade, major advances in our country’s healthcare system have significantly reduced the financial burden on patients. Thanks to the Social Security Institution (SGK), many medications are now provided at no cost to patients. Some of these medicines have very high prices, sometimes reaching into the millions of dollars, yet the public no longer faces direct payment for them.
Good News for SMA Patients
The drug Spinraza 12 MG/5 ML (1 vial), developed in the United States for the treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and long-awaited in our country, has been added to the Social Security Institution’s list of covered medicines.
The decision to cover the medication by SGK was finalized with publication in the Official Gazette. As a result, Spinraza is included on the payment list and patients are exempt from the participation fee for this medicine.
The price of Spinraza for SMA treatment is approximately 175,000 USD per dose. With SGK covering the cost, families who previously could not afford this treatment will now have access without financial strain.
Ministry of Health to Monitor Use
Under the regulations for its use, Spinraza will be available specifically for SMA Type 1 patients. Treatment approval will be granted based on a health board report. The cost for the initial four administrations, when requested as a single batch, and for each subsequent administration when requested individually, will be covered by the Social Security Institution.
About SMA
Spinal Muscular Atrophy is an inherited neuromuscular disorder caused by degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord that stimulate muscle movement. As these neurons are affected, muscles progressively weaken and lose function. SMA has several stages, and over time most voluntary muscles, including respiratory muscles, can lose strength and endurance.
In recent years—especially over the past eight years—significant research efforts have focused on SMA treatment. Spinraza, whose active ingredient is nusinersen sodium, is currently the primary approved medication for treating SMA. Although it is an expensive therapy, Spinraza will now be provided to eligible families in our country under SGK coverage without out-of-pocket costs.