French pharmaceutical company AB Science SA (Euronext Paris:AB) on Thursday announced new findings published in PLOS One supporting the neuroprotective effects of masitinib in a preclinical model of neuroimmune-driven neurodegeneration.

The study demonstrated that masitinib significantly reduced serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels, a key biomarker associated with neuronal damage in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.

In the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model, masitinib at 50 mg/kg/day reduced NfL levels by 43%, while the 100 mg/kg/day dose achieved a 60% reduction. Absolute NfL concentrations were approximately 25% lower at Day 8 in both treated groups, compared to the EAE control group.

Masitinib also led to a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokine biomarkers, supporting its anti-inflammatory profile. The drug improved functional performance in treated mice, as evidenced by the recovery of grip strength by Day 15, indicating potential protection of motor function.

The mechanism of action targets mast cells and microglia, components of the innate neuroimmune system implicated in neurodegenerative disease progression. These findings reinforce earlier clinical observations of masitinib's neuroprotective role in late-stage trials.