Researchers reported in Nature Communications that a targeted antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapy reversed developmental defects in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) organoid models. The study showed morphological and molecular rescue in human-derived organoids after ASO treatment, demonstrating a potential route to correct developmental pathology in vitro. The results provide a translational bridge from molecular correction to tissue‑level repair and support continued ASO development for SMA. ASOs are short synthetic nucleic acids that modulate RNA splicing or expression; this study highlights their capacity to restore developmental programs in human models. The work will influence preclinical pipelines and may inform dose and biomarker strategies for next‑generation SMA trials.
Get the Daily Brief