AB Science receives notice of allowance for Unites States patent covering masitinib until 2040 in the treatment of sickle cell disease

Core Viewpoint - AB Science has received a Notice of Allowance for a US patent covering the use of masitinib in treating sickle cell disease, providing protection until November 2040, which enhances its intellectual property portfolio [1][3]. Company Overview - AB Science is a pharmaceutical company founded in 2001, specializing in the research, development, and commercialization of protein kinase inhibitors (PKIs) targeting diseases with high unmet medical needs [12][13]. Product Development - Masitinib is being developed as a treatment for severe forms of sickle cell disease, which accounts for approximately 65% of cases. The drug targets mast cells, which play a critical role in the disease's complications [3][4]. - The clinical development of masitinib in sickle cell disease is part of the SICKMAST collaborative program, which is funded with €9.2 million and aims to demonstrate efficacy in a phase 2 clinical trial [5]. Medical Need - Sickle cell disease is a significant public health challenge, with around 300,000 children born with the condition annually, potentially rising to 400,000 by 2050. The disease leads to early death and high social burden [6][10]. - Current treatment options do not fully prevent life-threatening complications, highlighting a significant medical need for effective therapies [10]. Scientific Insights - Masitinib has shown survival benefits in preclinical models, with treated mice experiencing no vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) or deaths, indicating its potential effectiveness [4]. - The drug acts as an inhibitor of key kinases involved in mast cell activation, which is crucial for addressing the inflammatory aspects of sickle cell disease [8][9].