Skip to main content
Minnesota Department of Health logo
  • Main navigation

    • Home
    • Data, Statistics, and Legislation
    • Diseases and Conditions
    • Health Care Facilities, Providers, and Insurance
    • Healthy Communities, Environment, and Workplaces
    • Individual and Family Health
    • About Us
    • News and Announcements
    • Translated Materials

Main navigation mobile

  • Data, Statistics, and Legislation
  • Diseases and Conditions
  • Health Care Facilities, Providers, and Insurance
  • Healthy Communities, Environment, and Workplaces
  • Individual and Family Health
  • About Us
  • News and Announcements
  • Translated Materials
MDH Logo

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. News and Announcements
  3. News Releases
Topic Menu

News and Announcements

  • News and Announcements Home
  • 2025 News Releases
  • 2024 News Releases
  • 2023 News Releases
  • 2022 News Releases
  • 2021 News Releases
  • Resources for Reporters
  • Information Officers

News and Announcements

  • News and Announcements Home
  • 2025 News Releases
  • 2024 News Releases
  • 2023 News Releases
  • 2022 News Releases
  • 2021 News Releases
  • Resources for Reporters
  • Information Officers

News Release
May 9, 2025

Contact information

​Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) to be added to newborn screening panel

​Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham has approved the Newborn Screening Advisory Committee’s recommendation to add metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) to the list of conditions for which Minnesota newborns are routinely screened.  

​The Minnesota Newborn Screening Program will be working towards implementation, which includes validating a test method and developing result and follow-up protocols. A start date for screening will be determined and shared as this process unfolds. It will likely be in 2026.  

​MLD is a type of lysosomal disease, which is caused by an enzyme deficiency leading to a buildup of fats called sulfatides. This buildup causes damage to the brain and nervous system. Symptoms of MLD include not reaching developmental milestones, regression of skills and seizures. It can also be fatal.  

​There is no cure for MLD, but early intervention can help manage symptoms and slow the progression. Gene therapy offers a promising approach for treating MLD. The Minnesota Newborn Screening program expects to identify approximately one baby each year with MLD, who will benefit from early interventions and life-changing outcomes because of newborn screening.  

​Minnesota has one of the most comprehensive newborn screening programs in the country. Since 1964, when Minnesota started screening for PKU (phenylketonuria), all Minnesota newborns have had a blood sample sent to the Minnesota Department of Health for newborn screening unless their parents opted out. As scientific knowledge has advanced, Minnesota has expanded its newborn screening panel to help detect more than 60 conditions with beneficial interventions or treatment. Newborn screening can identify children affected with these conditions early and get them connected with the care they need to be as healthy as possible.

​More information can be found on the Newborn Screening Program webpage.​ 

-MDH-

Media inquiries:
Amy Barrett
MDH Communications 
651-201-4993
amy.barrett@state.mn.us

Tags
  • news
Last Updated: 05/09/2025

Get email updates


Minnesota Department of Health logo

Privacy Policy
Equal Opportunity
Translated Materials
Feedback Form
About MDH
Minnesota.gov
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linked In
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
Minnesota Department of Health Minnesota Department of health print search share facebook instagram linkedin twitter youtube