AB Science Refocuses Portfolio on Two Priority Programs
AB Science has announced the discontinuation of three non-priority clinical studies of masitinib, in order to focus its resources on two programs: AB8939 in acute myeloid leukemia and masitinib in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This portfolio restructuring comes less than a week after the appointment of Stéphane Ledermann as CEO and follows a cash reinforcement in early July.
Three Clinical Studies Halted to Free Up Resources
AB Science has discontinued three clinical studies whose recruitment had been suspended last April. These include the phase 2 study (AB20006) of masitinib in mast cell activation syndrome, the phase 3 study (AB15003) of masitinib in mastocytosis, and the phase 3 study (AB20009) of masitinib in progressive forms of multiple sclerosis. The company specifies that this discontinuation is not related to safety issues with masitinib.
Stéphane Ledermann, the new CEO, justified the decision: "The closure of these non-priority studies reflects regulatory compliance. It is consistent with the desire to have all necessary resources to successfully carry out the two priority programs with the highest level of quality."
AB8939 and Masitinib in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis as Major Focuses
The AB8939 program in acute myeloid leukemia is progressing: phase 1, step 3 evaluating the combination of AB8939 and venetoclax was completed on June 29, with a response rate of 67%. AB Science will seek health authority approval to initiate step 4, which will evaluate the triple combination of AB8939, venetoclax, and azacitidine, following a favorable preliminary opinion from the Independent Data Monitoring Committee of the study.
Regarding the phase 3 program of masitinib in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, authorized in July 2025 but not yet initiated, AB Science intends to update the protocol and its implementation modalities. The company will seek health authority approval to resume this study after submitting a substantial amendment.
