Masitinib Reduced Disability Progression in People With Progressive MS

As published in Neurology Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation, results from a phase 3 trial (NCT01433497) of masitinib (AB Science; Paris, France) show that the drug slowed progression of disability in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). 

A statistically significant reduction in cumulative change on Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score occurred with masitinib 4.5mg/kg/d vs placebo (P=.026). Improvements occurred in both people with primary progressive MS (PPMS) and nonactive secondary progressive MS (nSPMS). Masitinib also significantly reduced the risk of first disability progression by 42% and confirmed disability progression at 3 months by 37%. A significant reduction in the risk of reaching EDSS score of 7 (need to use a wheelchair) also occurred (P=0.009). 

“This publication provides the first clinical evidence that targeting the innate immune system is an effective strategy for the treatment of progressive forms of MS,” said Patrick Vermersch, MD, professor of neurology, University of Lille. “More specifically, results showed that masitinib at 4.5 mg/kg/d can benefit patients by slowing EDSS-based disability worsening, including a statistically significant reduction in the risk of requiring a wheelchair, which is a clinically meaningful outcome for patients. Remarkably, the results of study AB7002 demonstrate, for the first time, the efficacy of a therapeutic product in the treatment of MS patients who were progressing but not clinically active, which includes nonactive primary progressive and secondary progressive MS.”
 
Safety was consistent with the drug’s known profile, with no elevated risk of infection, which could prove advantageous compared with other MS drugs, many of which are associated with increased risk of infectious complications.