Health · Healthcare & Policy · 2 hrs ago
Kerala orders 2,159 bottles of SMA medicine to maintain supply
Kerala has ordered 2,159 bottles of risdiplam to help ensure people with spinal muscular atrophy continue to receive the medicine.
SMA is a rare genetic condition that progressively weakens muscles and can affect movement and breathing.
The state provides treatment through its KARE scheme and an SMA clinic at SAT Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram.
A generic version now costs about ₹11,000 a bottle, compared with a negotiated price of ₹5.5 lakh for the earlier version.
Children under 12 have received risdiplam free since 2022, and the state says it is working to provide eligible people with lifelong access.
Two children with Type 2 SMA are eligible for free treatment, and a third child will be assessed before treatment is arranged.
Kerala says it will also consider wider medical and family support, while continuing to provide therapies and equipment alongside the medicine.
Kerala has ordered 2,159 bottles of Risdiplam to maintain the medicine’s supply for people with spinal muscular atrophy.
Health Minister K. Muraleedharan announced the procurement in the Assembly on October 29.
Since October 19, the State has provided a lower-cost generic version, Natsmart, made by Natco Pharma.
The generic costs around ₹11,000 per bottle, compared with a negotiated price of ₹5.5 lakh for the branded medicine.
Kerala provides Risdiplam free to children under 12 through its KARE scheme and is taking steps to provide it lifelong to eligible people.
- Who
- The Kerala government, announced by Health Minister K. Muraleedharan.
- What
- It ordered 2,159 bottles of Risdiplam to maintain supply.
- When
- The order was announced on October 29, 2026.
- Where
- Kerala, with the announcement made in the State Assembly.
- Why
- To ensure continued availability of the medicine and avoid disruption to treatment for people with SMA.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Kerala began providing Risdiplam free of cost to children under 12 through KARE.
Two children with Type 2 SMA were registered at the SMA clinic at SAT Hospital.
Kerala began providing the lower-cost generic version of Risdiplam.
The Health Minister told the Assembly that the government had ordered 2,159 bottles.
- Procurement
- 2,159 bottles of Risdiplam
- Generic brand
- Natsmart, manufactured in India by Natco Pharma
- Generic price
- Around ₹11,000 per bottle
- Branded price
- ₹5.5 lakh per bottle
- Treatment scheme
- KARE (Kerala United Against Rare Diseases)