By Fineline Cube 
France-based AB Science SA (EPA: AB) reported receiving patent protection in China for its lead compound masitinib as a treatment for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection causing COVID-19. The patent protection extends through April 2041, securing exclusivity for this indication.
Masitinib Development and Indications
Masitinib is an oral, selective c-Kit/PDGFR/Lyn kinase inhibitor currently under clinical development for a range of conditions, including neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, chronic inflammatory conditions, and oncology indications. Under a 2020 licensing agreement with the University of Chicago, AB Science holds exclusive global rights to COVID-19-related discoveries using masitinib.
Research Focus
Current research on masitinib centers on its dual mechanism against viral replication and hyperinflammatory responses, highlighting its potential as a comprehensive treatment for COVID-19.-Fineline Info & Tech