Dec 16 (Reuters) - U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Tuesday added two rare genetic disorders, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, to the federal newborn screening list to enable early treatment, the Department of Health and Human Services said.
The decision updates the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP), which guides state-level newborn screening programs, following a scientific review and public comment process.
Early detection of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) will allow children to receive FDA-approved therapies at the most effective time, helping slow disease progression and preserve quality of life, the HHS said.
DMD, a rare genetic disorder, causes muscle degeneration, while MLD affects the brain and nervous system, which leads to loss of motor and cognitive function and early death.
Most children with DMD or MLD are diagnosed at age four or five, when significant muscle loss or neurological decline has already occurred, the HHS said.
The agency said that screening at birth could reduce years-long diagnostic delays, repeated specialist visits, and the financial and emotional strain often associated with rare diseases.
(Reporting by Siddhi Mahatole in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)
latest_posts
- 1
RFK Jr. says fewer flu shots for kids may be 'better.' What experts say. - 2IVE 2026 'Show What I Am' Tour: How to get tickets, prices, dates and more
- 3Top 10 Smash hit Computer games of the Year
- 4Fundamental Venture The board Apparatuses for Remote Groups
- 5The Beginning Of The End For Fossil Fuels Can Start In Colombia
- Pick Your Number one breakfast food
- 2 ways you can conserve the water used to make your food
- Lower-cost space missions like NASA's ESCAPADE are starting to deliver exciting science – but at a price in risk and trade‑offs
- A throat bone settles it - Nanotyrannus was not a juvenile T. rex
- Two Passover initiatives target isolation and safety for Israel’s elderly
- New method spots signs of Earth's primordial life in ancient rocks
- Astounding Treehouses All over the Planet
- Feeling wonder every day improves our health. Here’s how to do it.
- Extraordinary Shows to Long distance race on a Plane
