Masitinib Shows Promise as Alzheimer's Treatment in Peer-Reviewed Study

A recent peer-reviewed study by researchers at Guangdong Pharmaceutical University and Sun Yat-sen University provides compelling evidence for masitinib's potential as a treatment for sporadic Alzheimer's disease (sAD). The study highlights masitinib's dual action of cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection, underscoring its innovative approach by targeting the brain's innate immune system.

Using a mouse model that mimics sAD symptoms, treatment with masitinib resulted in notable improvements in memory, learning, and anxiety-related behaviors. The drug reduced toxic brain proteins and synaptic dysfunction while mitigating inflammation, marking a promising avenue for Alzheimer's therapy.

Complementary findings from a phase 2B/3 study showed that masitinib treatment not only slowed cognitive decline in patients with mild Alzheimer's but also improved cognitive function over 24 weeks, bolstering its therapeutic potential. This has led to FDA and EU approval for a Phase 3 study to further investigate masitinib's efficacy.