Biogen Inc. said it received U.S. FDA approval for SPINRAZA, a treatment for spinal muscular atrophy.

The drug was approved following positive results from multiple clinical studies in more than 170 patients. In a controlled clinical study, those treated with the drug showed clinically meaningful improvements in their motor functions. Also, a greater percentage of patients on the drug survived compared to untreated patients.

Biogen plans to make the drug available for shipment in the U.S. to healthcare providers in about a week.