Georgia Faces Prioritization Challenge: Funding Treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Tbilisi, Georgia – Approximately 60-80 individuals in Georgia are diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a rare genetic disorder causing progressive muscle wasting and weakness, according to estimates. Securing adequate treatment for these patients requires an estimated annual budget of 30-35 million lari ($11-13 million). The issue has prompted significant attention, with a pro-European march in Tbilisi advocating for state funding of medications for children with DMD.
Former health minister Andria Urushadze emphasized that addressing this need is a matter of priority, stating, “Treating these children in Georgia is not a question of finances, but of priorities.”
DMD, primarily affecting boys, leads to muscle degeneration and can result in respiratory or cardiac failure. While globally, the prevalence is around 1 in 3,500-5,000 live-born boys, Georgia’s population of approximately 20,000 male births annually suggests a potential patient pool of 60-80 individuals. Recent regulatory approvals of medications like Givinostat/Duvyzat and Vamorolone/Agamree offer new treatment options.
However, access remains a challenge, with funding decisions varying across Europe – including Italy, Spain, and the UK – and the United States. The potential cost of treating all 60-80 patients in Georgia is estimated at 30-35 million lari annually. Advocates argue that this investment could prevent 1-3 deaths per year and significantly improve the quality of life for affected individuals.
The Georgian Ministry of Health and Social Protection is currently evaluating options for budget allocation and exploring potential procurement strategies to ensure access to these vital medications.
Topics: #georgia #treatment #duchenne
