The Ministry of Health will procure the innovative medication Trikafta for patients with cystic fibrosis. According to Mikheil Sarjveladze, an agreement has already been signed with Vertex Pharmaceuticals, the American biopharmaceutical company that manufactures the drug.
According to the Ministry, the medication is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for patients aged two and older whose genetic mutations align with approved indications.
"Today, I would like to inform the public about another significant expansion of the rare disease management program. This time, it concerns the management of cystic fibrosis, also known as mucoviscidosis—a rare, treacherous, and severe genetic disease. This is a serious condition caused by a gene mutation that leads to the formation of thick, sticky mucus in the body. The disease primarily causes severe damage to the respiratory system, leading to chronic airway inflammation and a progressive deterioration of lung function, including respiratory failure. It also damages the digestive system, pancreas, and other organs. The condition affects life expectancy and causes a significant decline in the quality of life, which is particularly severe in children. Therefore, primarily as a result of successful cooperation between the state and parents, the decision was made for the state to purchase the most effective medication available today for treating cystic fibrosis," stated Mikheil Sarjveladze.
Sarjveladze added that the ministry will actively continue working on the necessary procedures for implementing the medication, with the delivery process of Trikafta to patients set to begin in September.
"We can state with certainty that introducing this drug will be a turning point for many children and families toward a completely new, healthier life, which I wish for everyone. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Government of Georgia and personally to the Prime Minister for this decision and for supporting the entire process. Georgia will be among the relatively few nations to offer this expensive medication fully funded under its state program. I want to extend a special thanks to the parents for their engagement, cooperation, resilience, and patience, including during the crucial phase at the end of last year when we expanded the disease management program. Their involvement was decisive in reaching today's success," the Health Minister said.
Trikafta was included in the World Health Organization's Essential Medicines List (WHO Essential Medicines List) in September 2025, confirming its key role in modern cystic fibrosis treatment.
The agency clarified that the drug significantly improves nutritional status and quality of life, enabling patients to live longer, more active, and fulfilling lives.
Cystic fibrosis is a progressive genetic disorder that typically manifests in childhood and primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. Frequent respiratory infections are common, and lung function along with overall health deteriorates significantly over time. The necessity for continuous treatment and the limitations imposed by the disease heavily impact children's daily lives and development, making access to modern therapy especially critical.
