Masitinib is a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It is known that activation of inflammatory cells, such as mast cells, and fibrous tissue remodeling are associated with c-Kit, Lyn and PDGFR kinase signaling pathways; all key targets of masitinib. This is a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group (ascending dose titration of masitinib to 6.0 mg/kg/day and matching placebo), comparative study of oral masitinib in the treatment of patients with severe asthma, uncontrolled with high dose of inhaled corticosteroid and with elevated eosinophil levels. Eligible patients will be treated during at least 48 weeks.
The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of masitinib (6 mg/kg/day) in severe persistent asthma, uncontrolled with high dose of inhaled corticosteroid and with elevated eosinophil levels.