Turkey is gearing toward self-sufficiency with plans to start local production of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) medicine next year.
According to the Turkish Health Ministry, scientists have successfully synthesised nusinersen sodium, an active component of the popular medication Spinraza.
The medication, which targets motor neuron damage to delay the progression of SMA, currently costs around TRY1.6 million (about US$38,400) per dose when imported.
As per local health officials, mass manufacturing of the medication is expected to start in the first half of 2026, when clinical testing and regulatory permissions are complete.
Less medical costs, research advancement
Production might guarantee a steady supply for patients while saving billions in medical expenses.
Turkey currently has 1,500 SMA patients, with about 150 new diagnoses annually.
Six doses are needed in the first year for newly diagnosed patients, after which they need maintenance doses every three months.
Although the medication is given away for free through the national health insurance programme, the significant reliance on imports has posed financial and logistical difficulties for the government.
By reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, Turkey hopes to increase its research base and improve access to necessary medications.
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Long-term health sovereignty, strategy
Domestic manufacture will also be used as a model for producing medicines for other rare genetic disorders, such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), health experts noted.
Families affected by SMA and DMD often resort to fundraising efforts to afford the costs of therapy and maintenance medications.
However, it has become more difficult for families to collect support due to a recent ban on public donation stands in parts of Istanbul.
Officials argue that funding domestic pharmaceutical research will close these gaps and advance Turkey’s long-term health sovereignty policy.
If the deadline is met, Turkey could become one of the few countries in the world to domestically produce SMA medication, a significant milestone for its public health strategy.
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Eugene Nicklaus S. Laqui 
Shameeka Voyiya 
Ian Trinidad