Information for Families regarding Givinostat for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

Children's Health Ireland (CHI) is pleased to share that a new medication called Givinostat is now available in Ireland for some boys living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

This is an important development for the DMD community. While Givinostat will not be suitable for every child, we know that for some families it offers a new treatment option.

Following national guidance from the Health Service Executive (HSE) and international clinical recommendations, Givinostat is now available for boys who meet specific medical criteria.

Who may be eligible?

Givinostat may be suitable for boys who:

• have a genetically confirmed diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
• are aged 6 years or older
• are able to stand or walk, with or without support
• are currently taking corticosteroid medication.

What happens next?

Our clinical teams are now carrying out the first stage of the process by meeting with and assessing children who may be eligible for treatment.

Between 9 July and 31 July 2026, CHI expects to see approximately 45 children for screening appointments. These appointments include a review by their Consultant and the tests needed to determine whether Givinostat is a safe and appropriate treatment for each child.

Families whose child appears to meet the eligibility criteria are being contacted directly to arrange an appointment. If, following assessment, a child is found to be eligible, their Consultant may prescribe Givinostat at that visit. Follow-up appointments and regular blood tests will then be arranged in line with the recommended monitoring for this medication.

For families whose child is not eligible

We recognise that this announcement may be very difficult for some families. Some children with DMD will not be eligible for Givinostat because the treatment is approved only for those who meet specific clinical criteria.

Please be assured that these decisions are based on national prescribing guidance and the evidence currently available about who is most likely to benefit safely from the medication. Your child's clinical team will continue to provide the best possible care, discuss any questions you may have, and keep you informed about future treatment developments as they become available.

If you have not been contacted and believe your child may be eligible, or if you have any questions about Givinostat, please speak with your child's neuromuscular clinical team.