Madrid, Scotland Launch Expanded Newborn Genomic Screening Pilots

Newborn screening programs are expanding globally to detect rare and treatable genetic disorders early in life. Madrid has launched the Cringenes pilot project to screen 300 newborns for over 300 rare pediatric diseases, aiming to integrate genomic screening into routine healthcare. Scotland will pilot newborn screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy starting in 2026, enabling early treatment for affected infants. In the United States, the Early Check program in North Carolina has enrolled over 2,100 newborns to screen for actionable genetic conditions, though enrollment shows disparities by race and ethnicity. These initiatives highlight efforts to improve early diagnosis and intervention for rare diseases, benefiting infants and their families through timely treatment and counseling. Overall, these programs represent significant advances in neonatal genomic screening and public health strategies worldwide.