Description
Masitinib is an anticancer chemotherapeutic and anti-inflammatory compound used in veterinary medicine. Masitinib inhibits c-Kit and PDGFR, increasing survival time in the treatment of mast cell tumors and other cancers. In vitro, masitinib increases levels of caspases 3 and 7, inducing apoptosis. Masitinib also decreases airway inflammation and edema in feline allergic asthma models and also decreases the patient-rated severity of multiple sclerosis in clinical settings. Masitinib also exhibits potential efficacy against Alzheimer’s disease when given as an adjunct therapy, slowing cognitive decline.
References
Smrkovski OA, Essick L, Rohrbach BW, et al. Masitinib mesylate for metastatic and non-resectable canine cutaneous mast cell tumours. Vet Comp Oncol. 2013 Jul 12. [Epub ahead of print]. PMID: 23845124.
Fahey CE, Milner RJ, Kow K, et al. Apoptotic effects of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, masitinib mesylate, on canine osteosarcoma cells. Anticancer Drugs. 2013 Jun;24(5):519-26. PMID: 23466652.
Vermersch P, Benrabah R, Schmidt N, et al. Masitinib treatment in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis: a randomized pilot study. BMC Neurol. 2012 Jun 12;12:36. PMID: 22691628.
Lee-Fowler TM, Guntur V, Dodam J, et al. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor masitinib blunts airway inflammation and improves associated lung mechanics in a feline model of chronic allergic asthma. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2012;158(4):369-74. PMID: 22487554.
Cadot P, Hensel P, Bensignor E, et al. Masitinib decreases signs of canine atopic dermatitis: a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. Vet Dermatol. 2011 Dec;22(6):554-64. PMID: 21668810.
Piette F, Belmin J, Vincent H, et al. Masitinib as an adjunct therapy for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease: a randomised, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial. Alzheimers Res Ther. 2011 Apr 19;3(2):16. PMID: 21504563.
