Georgia ends 45-night protests after breakthrough on Duchenne treatments

Georgia’s government has reached an agreement with parents of children suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The deal comes after 45 consecutive nights of protests demanding access to life-saving medicines. Parents had pushed for four specific treatments, including Elevidys and exon skipping therapy.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze confirmed the breakthrough following two key meetings with campaigners. The protests, which drew widespread public support, have now ended as discussions move into a formal working phase.

The campaign began months ago, with parents staging nightly demonstrations outside government buildings. Their focus was on securing four critical drugs: Elevidys, exon skipping therapy, Givinostat, and Vamorolone. Public pressure grew as the Ilia Student Movement raised 2 million GEL to support additional needs for children with the condition.

After two rounds of negotiations, officials agreed to establish a working group. This team will include representatives from the Ministry of Health and parents’ groups. Their task is to oversee the procurement process for the medicines. Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze confirmed that the selection of suppliers will consider proposals from pharmaceutical companies. Parents and patients will receive the first updates, with full details made public later. The agreement has shifted the campaign from street protests to what organisers call a 'work mode'—focusing on implementation rather than demonstrations.

The deal marks a turning point in the long-running dispute over access to Duchenne treatments. A structured working group will now handle the purchase and distribution of the medicines. Parents have suspended protests, but the final procurement decisions will depend on further evaluations and supplier negotiations.