Safety and Efficacy of Delayed-Release Dimethyl Fumarate in Pediatric Patients With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (FOCUS).

BACKGROUND

No therapies have been formally approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in pediatric multiple sclerosis, a rare disease.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of dimethyl fumarate in pediatric patients with multiple sclerosis.

METHODS

FOCUS, a phase 2, multicenter study of patients aged 10 to 17 years with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, comprised an eight-week baseline and 24-week treatment period; during treatment, patients received dimethyl fumarate (120 mg twice daily on days one to seven; 240 mg twice a day thereafter). Magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained at week -8, day 0, week 16, and week 24. The primary end point was the change in T2 hyperintense lesion incidence from the baseline period to the final 8 weeks of treatment. Secondary end points were pharmacokinetic parameters and adverse event incidence.

RESULTS

Twenty of 22 enrolled patients completed the study. There was a significant reduction in T2 hyperintense lesion incidence from baseline to the final eight weeks of treatment (P = 0.009). Adverse events (most commonly gastrointestinal events and flushing) and pharmacokinetic parameters were consistent with adult findings. No serious adverse events were considered dimethyl fumarate related.

CONCLUSIONS

Dimethyl fumarate treatment was associated with a reduction in magnetic resonance imaging activity in pediatric patients; pharmacokinetic and safety profiles were consistent with those in adults. Dimethyl fumarate is a potential treatment for pediatric multiple sclerosis.