masitinib + riluzole

Masitinib + riluzole is a combination of two oral small molecule drugs used in the investigational treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)[1][2][3]. - Masitinib is a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets mast cells and macrophages, modulating neuroinflammatory responses and exerting neuroprotection in central and peripheral nervous systems by inhibiting various kinases implicated in disease pathogenesis[2][3]. - Riluzole is a benzothiazole derivative that acts mainly by inhibiting glutamatergic neurotransmission through antagonism of voltage-gated sodium channels and reducing presynaptic glutamate release, providing modest survival benefit in ALS[2][4]. This combination has shown a statistically significant delay in disease progression and improved survival in ALS patients compared to riluzole monotherapy in phase 2/3 trials, most notably for patients with mild-to-moderate disease[2][3]. The combination is under late-stage clinical development, with positive efficacy and safety signals but notable risk of severe adverse events associated with masitinib (such as hepatotoxicity and ischemic heart disease), requiring close monitoring[2][4].

Brand names

Alsitek (masitinib)Rilutek (riluzole)

Other names

masitinib + riluzole