Story perspectives

Newborn Screening Expanded for Duchenne and Metachromatic Disorders

12/16/2025

28 5

Summary

Story summary

On December 16, 2025, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Metachromatic Leukodystrophy would be added to the newborn screening list.
The update to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel aims to enable early detection and timely access to therapies.
Currently, most children with DMD or MLD are diagnosed around age four or five.
The change could reduce diagnostic delays and lessen burdens on families.

1 of 1

Story summary

On December 16, 2025, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Metachromatic Leukodystrophy would be added to the newborn screening list.
The update to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel aims to enable early detection and timely access to therapies.
Currently, most children with DMD or MLD are diagnosed around age four or five.
The change could reduce diagnostic delays and lessen burdens on families.