The Potential for Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

While fingolimod is not currently approved for use in children with MS, the research results are promising. Since there are no disease modifying therapies currently available to treat MS in children, advancement in this field is crucial. Studies have found that brain shrinkage is significantly less in people who have been treated with fingolimod in comparison to those treated with interferon beta-1a1, another type of medication. In adults, brain shrinkage is associated with loss of physical and cognitive abilities. While the drug is licensed for adults and not children, Hardiman highlights how the study results show a huge potential benefit for children. Hardiman also says that, “In terms of its availability and utility, it’s a very easy-to-use drug… The hope would be that the licensing would be extended to children under-18.”