Drug cut relapse rate in children with MS by 82%

Children with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) had an 82% lower relapse rate when treated with a drug currently only licensed for use in adults.

The 215 children, aged 10 to 17, were given the drug fingolimod, brand name Gilenya, as part of an international clinical trial, against a backdrop of “significant unmet need” for safe and effective MS treatments for children and adolescents.

Órla Hardiman, one of the country’s leading consultant neurologists, said the trial results were “good, really good”, for children with relapsing MS.