We are excited to announce that risdiplam, marketed under the name Evrysdi, is now the first medication for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) to be covered by Singapore’s Medication Assistance Fund (MAF).
Under the MAF Subsidy Framework, eligible Singaporeans and Permanent Residents with SMA can now access risdiplam with substantial government subsidy. This includes children and adults across Types 1, 2 and 3, as well as pre-symptomatic individuals and those with regression after gene therapy.
Depending on a person’s Monthly Per Capita Household Income (PCHI), up to 75% subsidy will be available for Singaporeans and up to 20% subsidy will be available for Permanent Residents. Before this, patients faced an average annual cost of about S$375,000 for risdiplam treatment.
Alongside this, from 1 October 2025, the Medishield Life Scheme covers expenses incurred for approved
treatments like high-cost drug treatments for blood conditions and childhood onset conditions like SMA. Drug
treatment for SMA under the scheme is claimable up to $7,400 a month. This further makes treatment
more affordable.
SMA is a rare but severe neuromuscular disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and can affect a
person’s lifespan and quality of life if left untreated. The treatment for SMA is extremely costly and has been a
barrier to access. With the inclusion of risdiplam under MAF, there is now expanded financial support and
increased affordability of this high-cost drug. This ensures that breakthrough treatments are not out of reach only because of their cost.
With the addition of risdiplam to the MAF list, Singapore has taken a meaningful step forward in making
life-changing treatment for SMA more affordable and accessible. For families and individuals affected by SMA, this brings hope, support and greater possibility. Please visit your doctor today to review your treatment options!
