Georgia signs deal to procure Duvyzat for Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients

Georgia has signed a contract with Italian pharmaceutical company Italfarmaco to procure the drug Duvyzat (givinostat) for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze announced on Friday.

The Minister noted Georgia will become one of the first countries in the world to purchase the medication and include it in the state-funded disease management programme.

He said the drug is intended for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy aged six and older who are still able to walk. He thanked the families of patients for their involvement in the decision-making process, stressing that continued cooperation with parents remains important for the effective management of the disease.

Sarjveladze also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze for his personal involvement in the negotiations, as well as to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Health Ministry team for their support throughout the process.

The Minister added negotiations on a second medication for Duchenne muscular dystrophy are ongoing with several parties and expressed hope that they will be concluded successfully in the near future. He said further details on the expansion of the state’s Duchenne muscular dystrophy programme will be announced in the coming days.