SMA Foundation
Research ServicesNew York, United States11-50 Employees
The SMA Foundation is a research-focused nonprofit organization based in New York, established in 2003 by parents of a child with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Its work centers on accelerating the development of treatments for SMA, the leading genetic cause of death in infants and toddlers, by funding basic, translational, and clinical research and by developing research tools and drug-discovery assets. The foundation functions as a hybrid entity, combining nonprofit aims with elements of venture-like strategic thinking, and often serves as an advisor to government bodies, universities, industry, and other stakeholders involved in drug development. A key role is facilitating information exchange and collaboration across the SMA ecosystem, connecting pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, academia, clinicians, patients, regulators, and the media, to advance progress in SMA research. The organization is widely recognized in national media outlets for its activities in supporting SMA research and collaboration, and it has engaged in partnerships that advance joint development programs with industry partners.