AB Science SA announced that the first patient has been dosed in the phase 2 trial evaluating the antiviral activity of masitinib in patients who have a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. The study plans to enroll 78 patients, either non-hospitalized patients with mild disease or hospitalized patients without requirement for non-invasive ventilation. The primary efficacy objective will be to demonstrate that masitinib can reduce the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19) faster than a placebo control group, which will receive best supportive care. Study AB21002 has been authorized so far in Russia and South Africa where COVID-19 is particularly active.