For many families, multiple sclerosis is something they associate with adulthood. Although rare, MS can also affect children and teens. Pediatric onset MS is often highly inflammatory, making early diagnosis and access to effective treatment especially important. Recent news from Genentech marks a significant development for young people living with MS and their families.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) intravenous infusion for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in pediatric patients 10 years and older who weigh at least 55 pounds. The approval expands access to a high-efficacy treatment option for children and adolescents living with MS.
The approval was based on results from the Phase III OPERETTA II study, which compared Ocrevus to fingolimod, previously the only FDA-approved therapy for pediatric MS. Researchers reported that Ocrevus demonstrated comparable effectiveness in reducing relapse rates, along with significant reductions in MRI measures of disease activity, including new or enlarging lesions. The safety profile observed in pediatric patients was generally consistent with what has previously been seen in adults receiving the therapy.
Pediatric MS can look different from adult-onset MS and may involve more frequent relapses and higher levels of inflammatory disease activity. At the Rocky Mountain MS Center, we are continuing working to raise awareness that children with MS can absolutely live full and meaningful lives, particularly when they receive timely diagnosis, comprehensive support, and access to appropriate treatment.
Treatment decisions for both pediatric and adult patients should be individualized for their unique situation. Sometimes this means using a medication off-label (using an FDA-approved drug for a condition or patient group that is not officially listed on the drug’s label). Some providers have used other B-cell medications including ofatumumab (Kesimpta) and ublituximab (Briumvi), as well as natalizumab, a highly effective monthly infusion with a different mechanism of action that’s well-suited for some patients, to treat their pediatric patients.
“The FDA approval of ocrelizumab for children and teens with multiple sclerosis feels like a truly meaningful step forward,” said the MS Center’s Dr. Teri Schreiner, who also serves as Program Director of Child Neurology at Children’s Hospital Colorado. “It gives me hope that we can better protect our young patients by preventing relapses, reducing long-term disability, and allowing them to continue to grow, learn, and live fully, both now and in the years ahead.”
It is estimated that approximately 5,000 to 10,000 children and adolescents in the United States are living with pediatric-onset MS. As research and treatment options continue to evolve, advocates and clinicians are hopeful that earlier intervention will help reduce long-term disease impact and support better outcomes for young people diagnosed with MS.
To read Genentech’s press release click here: https://www.gene.com/media/statements/ps_050826
For more information about Pediatric MS, please explore the following articles:
- Understanding a Rare But Important Diagnosis: https://mscenter.org/article/pediatric-ms-understanding-a-rare-but-important-diagnosis/
- Resources for Kids and Families Living with MS: https://mscenter.org/article/resources-for-kids-families-living-with-pediatric-ms/
