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Compare Zolgensma vs. Spinraza

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec) and Spinraza (nusinersen) are both used to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), but they work in different ways and have different treatment schedules. Zolgensma is a gene therapy given as a one-time IV infusion, specifically for children under 2 years old. It delivers working copies of the SMN1 gene to help the body produce the necessary proteins for muscle movement. In contrast, Spinraza is an antisense oligonucleotide that helps the body make more SMN proteins and is used for both children and adults. Spinraza is injected into the spinal canal and requires multiple doses: four initial loading doses followed by maintenance doses every four months. Zolgensma requires close monitoring for three months post-infusion due to risks like liver problems, while Spinraza requires blood and urine tests before each dose to monitor for bleeding and kidney damage.

  • Zolgensma
    Spinraza (nusinersen)
  • Zolgensma
    Spinraza (nusinersen)

  • Summary of Zolgensma vs. Spinraza

    Summary for Gene therapy
    Prescription only

    Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec or onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi) is a medication that's used to treat a certain type of spinal muscular atropy in children under 2 years old. Zolgensma is given as a one-time infusion into the vein, but your child has to be monitored for at least 3 months after the treatment due to the risk of liver and clotting problems.

    Summary for Antisense oligonucleotide
    Prescription only

    Spinraza (nusinersen) is an injectable medication used to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in children and adults. This medication is injected into the spinal canal by a trained healthcare provider at a treatment facility.

  • Indications of Zolgensma vs. Spinraza

    Indications for
    •Certain type of spinal muscular atropy (SMA) in children under 2 years old
    Indications for
    •Treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in children and adults

  • Pros and Cons of Zolgensma vs. Spinraza

    Pros and Const for Gene therapy
    Pros
    •Convenient, one-time infusion treatment
    •Treats SMA by focusing on the genetic problem
    •Help babies achieve certain milestones, such as sitting by themselves for 30 seconds or more
    Cons
    •Given as an infusion into the vein, so it might be uncomfortable for small children
    •Not approved to treat children with advanced SMA, such as complete paralysis of arms and legs, or using a permanent ventilator
    •Child must get regular lab work for at least 3 months after treatment
    Pros and Const for Antisense oligonucleotide
    Pros
    •Can be given to both children and adults of all ages
    •Maintenance dose only has to be given every 4 months
    •Medication gets injected directly into the spinal area, where movement is controlled
    Cons
    •Must be given by injection, so it might be uncomfortable
    •Only given by a trained healthcare provider
    •Must complete blood work and urine test before each dose

  • Common Side Effects of Zolgensma vs. Spinraza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver problems (high liver protein levels; 27%)
    •Vomiting (7%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Infantile-onset SMA (affects infants)

    •Lower respiratory infection (55%)
    •Constipation (35%)
    •Teething (18%)
    •Urinary tract infection (9%)
    •Stuffy nose (8%)
    •Ear infection (6%)
    •Passing gas (5%)
    •Weight loss (5%)

    Later-onset SMA (affects children and adults)

    •Fever (43%)
    •Headache (29%)
    •Vomiting (29%)
    •Back pain (25%)
    •Nosebleed (7%)
    •Falls (5%)
    •Stuffy nose (5%)
    •Seasonal allergy (5%)

  • Warnings of Zolgensma vs. Spinraza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Low platelet level
    •Damaged blood vessels and clotting problems
    •Risk of heart problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Bleeding risk
    •Kidney damage

  • Prices with our coupons for Zolgensma vs. Spinraza

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