Generic SMA Drug Sparks Controversy in Kerala

Parents of SMA-afflicted children at SAT Hospital had been informed about the government's planned introduction of a generic version of Risdiplam, Natsmart, as an alternative to Roche's Evrysdi. V.H. Shankar, Head of Medical Genetics, stated that meetings were held to address parental queries regarding the generic drug's efficacy. He confirmed that Natsmart was administered to six children, with parents fully aware it differed from the previously dispensed brand.

The technical committee had thoroughly evaluated the shift from Evrysdi to Natsmart, initiating the purchase process in February 2026. When patients arrived seeking the medication on a Monday, the hospital, awaiting government supply, obtained samples from Natco to distribute. The government's consignment arrived Tuesday evening, but a controversy had already emerged regarding the distribution of medicines labeled 'Physicians' sample/for clinical trials'.

Former Health Minister Veena George questioned the distribution of trial drugs, alleging parents were threatened to return them. Health Minister K. Muraleedharan countered that the medicines were replaced with the government supply to quell concerns, attributing the 'controversy' to news channels and potentially rival pharmaceutical companies. He emphasized the government's goal to procure generic Risdiplam for wider patient reach.

Public health experts expressed concern over the politicization of the issue by the opposition, who they claim are perpetuating misinformation about clinical trial drugs being given to SMA patients.