AB Science Secures US Patent for Masitinib in Sickle Cell Treatment

AB Science announced the formal granting of a US patent for masitinib, a drug aimed at treating sickle cell disease (SCD). This patent offers protection until November 2040, bolstering the company's intellectual property standing. SCD is a genetic disorder causing severe health issues and early death. Though cures exist through gene therapy, they remain inaccessible due to high costs and limited availability.

Masitinib, targeting mast cells implicated in severe SCD, showed promising results in preclinical models, preventing fatal complications such as vaso-occlusive crises. The ongoing phase 2 trial, conducted with Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, is fully funded and focuses on acute and chronic SCD complications utilizing biomarker identification.

Current treatments inadequately address SCD's complications, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative solutions like masitinib. With a significant global impact, SCD affects millions, highlighting the importance of research and development in this area.