The objective is to compare the efficacy and safety of masitinib in combination with riluzole versus matched placebo in combination with riluzole for the treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Masitinib is a selective, oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor with neuroprotective capability demonstrated via numerous preclinical studies. Two of masitinib's main cellular targets are the mast cell and microglia cell. It is well-established that mast cells play a prominent role in neuroinflammatory processes. Microglia, resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), also constitute an important source of neuroinflammatory mediators and may have fundamental roles in numerous neurodegenerative disorders. The development of masitinib in ALS is therefore based on the pharmacological action of masitinib in microglia cells and mast cells, thereby slowing microglial-related disease progression, reducing neuro-inflammation, and modulating the neuronal microenvironment in both central and peripheral nervous systems. This is a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group (two doses of masitinib and matching placebo), comparative study of oral masitinib in the treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
412
Masitinib (titration to 4.5 mg/kg/day)
treatment per os
Riluzole 50 mg tablet, treatment per os
Aiginition Hospital
Athens, Greece
ALSFRS-R
The primary endpoint is ALSFRS-R after 48-week treatment of masitinib versus matching placebo in patients diagnosed with ALS treated with standard of care.The ALSFRS-R is a validated tool for tracking disability progression in ALS patients. It improves on the original ALSFRS by adding assessments of breathing difficulties and ventilatory support needs, addressing the earlier scale's underweighting of respiratory function. It includes 12 items rated from 0 (can't do) to 4 (normal), with a total score range of 0-48. The ALSFRS-R has strong internal consistency and correlates well with quality of life, highlighting the link between functional ability and well-being in ALS.
Time frame: 48 weeks
Progression free survival (PFS)
It is defined as the time from randomization to progression (decline of more than 9 points in ALSFRS-R score from baseline) or death in the trial period.
Time frame: 48 weeks
Quality of Life assessment:
Change from baseline in ALSAQ- 40
Time frame: 48 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.