Tysabri lessens disease activity and reduces relapses in paediatric-onset multiple sclerosis

Tysabri (natalizumab) significantly reduces disease activity and the number of relapses in people with paediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS), new real-world study from Portugal has found.

Tysabri is an off-label treatment, which means it hasn’t been officially approved for use in children. The standard treatment for POMS is a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) such as interferon beta (brand name Avonex) and glatiramer acerate (Copaxone). However, approximately a third of children don’t respond well to these, and need second-line DMTs.

Tysabri is approved as a second-line treatment for adults with MS and it’s been proven effective in preventing cognitive decline. Patients with POMS usually develop early-onset physical and cognitive disability because they experience significant brain inflammation.

The researchers behind the latest study found Tysabri to be safe for POMS patients, which is in line with previous research. They said their findings support the usefulness of treating children who develop MS, but that there is a need to continue collecting real-world data about the efficacy and safety of the treatment for paediatrics because there have been few clinical studies.