Q. What is the exact time in post-natal development when SMN is needed for healthy nerve-muscle connections?

Data obtained from previous studies have suggested that, if patients receive SMN therapy promptly, treatment past a certain age may not be necessary. It has also been shown that high SMN levels can restore residual muscle damage at a later date. This data is important in the light of therapies, such as antisense drugs (e.g. ISIS-SMNrx), which are currently in the early phases of clinical trials. Based on this previous data, Dr. Kariya is seeking to determine the time window during which SMN therapy should be given. In addition, the role of SMN in post-injury regeneration of muscle and other tissues will be determined.