Masitinib is novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets microglia and mast cells through inhibiting a limited number of kinases. Masitinib blocks microglia proliferation and activation, and mast cell-mediated degranulation, the release of cytotoxic substances that might further damage the motor nerves.
There are two distinct populations of ALS patients: population of "Normal progressors" and population of "Faster progressors". Targeted population for primary analysis is population of "Normal progressors".
"Normal progressors" are ALS patients whose progression of ALSFRS-R score before randomization is less than 1.1 point per month.
