We need this drug now. Our kids don't have time to waste

THE head of Britain's biggest muscular dystrophy charity has backed calls for the Scottish Government to urgently deliver new life-extending drugs to children.

- BY JOHN FERGUSON

About 30 boys could have their lives extended by givinostat, which slows progress of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a rare form of the killer disease.

Patients in Scotland have not been able to get the drug - which is available in England - despite manufacturers offering it to health boards for free on an early-access programme.

After a Sunday Mail campaign, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has confirmed eligible kids should be given givinostat before the end of May, however kids in other health board areas could have to wait months.

Health Secretary Neil Gray met families and their lawyer Aamer Anwar two weeks ago to discuss access to the drug but they say there has been no progress since.