ACTRIMS 2022 | Slow progress in pediatric-onset MS research

Jonathan Santoro, MD, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, comments on the challenges slowing progress in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS). Owing to its rarity, clinical developments and drug approvals been much slower in the pediatric space compared to adult-onset disease. Fingolimod is the only FDA approved agent for use in POMS, although many other disease modifying therapies are used off-label based on safety and efficacy data collected in adults. Dr Santoro notes that the rate of clinical progress is often a problem across rare diseases. This interview took place at the ACTRIMS Forum 2022 in West Palm Beach, Florida.