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Neuroprotective qualities of Masitinib in stroke encouraging for MS indication

An encouraging experimental drug that is being developed for Multiple Sclerosis continues to show promise in being able to offer neuroprotective benefits — an effect that could slow MS. Masitinib, which is being developed by AB Science for numerous neurological indications, including Alzheimer’s disease, progressive multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is now showing signs of being able to offer neuroprotection in stroke as well...... Read More - http://www.ms-uk.org/masitinib

This drug was first developed for treatment of mast cell tumors in dogs. It has since been suggested as a therapy for ischemic stroke patients, and reduced stroke related infarct size in an animal model of stroke. Masitinib is a tyrosine-kinase inhibitor, which inhibits mast cell migration.

This preclinical study, showing the potential of masitinib to improve therapeutic outcome of ischemic stroke, most probably via preservation of BBB integrity, provides further evidence of masitinib’s prospective role in neurodegenerative diseases.”
Because many proposed therapies for both MS and Stroke center on neuroprotective effects, the positive data from this current study lends more credence to the possible use of masitinib in Multiple Sclerosis as well.

https://globenewswire.com/news-release/ ... tinib.html

Here is more on how mast cells are activated after stroke:
http://www.nature.com/jcbfm/journal/v30 ... 9282a.html

There's been an exploratory trial of masitinib in progressive MS
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2377/12/36

What is interesting is that there are several new drug therapies for MS which being called "neuroprotective"---they deal with strengthening the blood brain barrier, and reducing endothelial dysfunction and permeability.
http://ccsviinms.blogspot.com/2013/08/m ... blood.html

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