Kerala to Offer Low‑Cost Generic Risdiplam for SMA Patients, Science Group Backs Move

The Kerala health ministry will now supply a cheap generic version of the SMA drug risdiplam to patients statewide. The move follows a statement from the Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad, whose president C. Ramakrishnan and general secretary V. Manoj Kumar said the medicine can markedly improve patients' daily functioning and extend their lives. Health experts B. Ekbal, K.P. Aravindan and V. Ramankutty also praised the decision, calling it a needed step for the rare, muscle‑weakening disorder. Natco Pharma, an Indian firm known for affordable cancer drugs, will produce the generic, helping keep prices low both in India and abroad. KSSP officials stressed that the policy is driven by humanitarian concerns, not just savings for the treasury, and aims to make life‑saving treatment reachable for more families battling SMA. ## Context The drug risdiplam treats spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic condition that reduces muscle strength and can shorten lifespan. Generic versions lower cost, allowing wider access in low‑income regions, a pattern seen in other Indian health initiatives.