Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze says it is “not correct” to create unrealistic expectations around the medicine used for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, emphasizing that discussions about the drug should be based on evidence of effectiveness and safety rather than public pressure.
Speaking in Parliament during an interpellation session, Sarjveladze said the price of the drug is not the primary issue, arguing that strong commercial and marketing interests often drive aggressive public narratives around high-cost treatments. He stressed that decision-making must focus on medical outcomes rather than financial or emotional pressure.
The minister stated that the intended benefit of such medicines is to delay disease progression, including postponing the need for wheelchair use, but only if the drug is proven to be both effective and safe. He warned that any perceived benefits must be carefully verified through clinical evidence.
Sarjveladze also criticized what he described as politically motivated interpretations of the government’s position, saying that misleading expectations are unethical for families facing severe illness. Meanwhile, parents of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy continue to protest in Tbilisi, demanding state funding for access to treatment.
