A YOUNG Donegal boy in need of a revolutionary drug is finally in line for vital treatment after a yearlong wait.
Aaron Langan, aged nine, from Laghey, has rare genetic Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
Miracle drug Givinostat was approved by EU health chiefs – but it was only recently approved for use in Ireland by the HSE.
Aaron’s parents Dermot and Sinead have now revealed that preparations are being made for him to receive Givinostat.
Aaron Langan, form Laghey, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
They told the Donegal News that treatment could be soon and said: “Givinostat was finally approved recently and in the process of being rolled out.
“We were actually up in Dublin [on Thursday] for some tests so things are moving, thank God.
“We are hoping that we will get test results next week, and [if] they are okay, we would be hoping shortly after. But we wouldn’t know that for sure.”
At least three boys in Donegal – Aaron plus Ballybofey brothers Diarmuid and Nathan O’Sullivan – have DMD.
It is an incurable condition that can lead to scoliosis but also causes muscles, including the heart, to slowly stop working.
Givinostat helps to slow down DMD and was approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) over a year ago.
Givinostat.
A HSE spokesperson this week told the Donegal News: “From July 1, 2026, Givinostat (Duvyzat®) is approved by the HSE to be added to the list of reimbursable items under the High Tech Drug Arrangements for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in ambulant [meaning up and walking] patients, aged six years and older, and with concomitant corticosteroid treatment.
“Reimbursement is restricted, and prescribers will be required to apply for reimbursement approval on an individual patient basis as per the HSE Managed Access Protocol.”