The Senate passed legislation Dec. 16 requiring newborn infants to have spinal muscular atrophy screenings in New Jersey, according to Insider NJ.
Four things to know:
1. The bill would require infants born in the state to be tested for genetic markers linked with SMA.
2. SMA is a rare genetic disease that leads to progressive muscle weakness and, in some cases, paralysis.
3. The FDA approved AveXis' $2.1 million gene therapy drug Zolgensma for SMA in May, which The Washington Post reported to be the most expensive drug in the world.
4. The Senate returned a unanimous vote of 36-0 on the bill.