FA is a rare, serious, and progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects approximately 15,000 individuals globally and an estimated 1,000 Canadians.^1,2 The most common form of hereditary ataxia, FA is caused by damage to the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and the part of the brain that coordinates balance, movement and speech.^1,3 

FA typically has early symptoms appearing in childhood or adolescence, which include poor coordination, muscle weakness, and fatigue.⁴ Many people with FA use walking aids and most will need to use a wheelchair within 10 to 20 years after diagnosis. Other symptoms of FA include vision and hearing impairment, scoliosis, diabetes, and difficulty with speech and swallowing and serious heart conditions.⁵

Biogen is proudly committed to supporting the unmet needs of the FA community and we will leverage our rare disease expertise and capabilities to help  Canadians who live with this devastating disease.