Georgian Health Minister says decisions on Duchenne treatments await European practice

Georgian Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze says authorities are closely monitoring European approaches to Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatments and expect future decisions to be made with consideration of international practice.

Speaking about access to new medications for Duchenne patients, Sarjveladze stressed the importance of creating “realistic expectations” and making carefully assessed decisions based on medical evidence and international experience.

“We are waiting with great interest and hope to see when European countries begin procurement and when all questions regarding these medications are answered,” the Minister said.

Sarjveladze noted that discussions on the use of the drugs have been ongoing within the Ministry for some time and involve parents, patients and other interested groups.

He also referred to meetings held during the World Health Assembly in Switzerland, saying that many European countries are still evaluating the same issues and have not yet made final decisions regarding certain treatments.

At the same time, the Minister expressed hope that decisions regarding some specific medications could be made in the near future.