Children's interests must come first in Duchenne treatment talks, PM

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has said that the interests of children must remain the central consideration in discussions over treatment options for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, following a meeting with parents of affected children.

Speaking to journalists after the talks on Wednesday, Kobakhidze said the government was committed to working with families to identify solutions regarding access to medicines for the rare genetic disorder.

"First and foremost, we must be guided by the interests of the children," the prime minister said. "We hope that together we will find ways to resolve this issue."

Kobakhidze added the meeting focused on exchanging information and views on a range of issues, including several medicines that parents have urged the government to consider. He said both sides had agreed to hold a second meeting within the next two days in an effort to identify a path forward.

"This was the purpose of today's meeting," Kobakhidze said. "From the outset, we agreed that a second meeting would take place in the very near future, no later than the morning of the day after tomorrow. We hope that together we will outline ways to resolve the issue."

Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze, who attended the meeting alongside the prime minister, described the discussions as constructive and stressed the importance of direct engagement with families and patient organisations.

"We have said from the beginning that working with parents and patient groups is extremely important," Sarjveladze said. "It is always valuable to speak with the people who are meant to benefit from any decision that may be taken."

The minister said further discussions would be required before decisions could be made on the medicines under consideration. He noted that four different treatments were currently being assessed, each at a different stage in terms of regulatory status, available evidence and readiness for implementation.

"Two of the medicines raise fewer questions, while the others require more detailed analysis," Sarjveladze said.

He added that additional meetings were likely in the coming days and said the government would move forward without delay once a decision was considered ready for implementation.