Ancient Roman emperor Caligula had an unexpected interest in medicinal plants, historians find
A new study co-authored by Trevor Luke, a professor of classics at Florida State University, centers on an overlooked anecdote by the Roman historian Suetonius involving Caligula and an ailing senator.
The account indicates that the unnamed Roman senator traveled to the Greek town of Antikyra to be treated with the medicinal plant hellebore, which is now considered poisonous. Though the treatments were not necessarily expensive, reaching Antikyra – and staying there – was.
When the senator asked Caligula if he could stay longer, the much-hated leader had him executed — claiming it was "necessary, for one whom hellebore had not benefited in all that time."
The story indicates that Caligula had some knowledge of medicinal plants – a prospect that intrigued Luke, who spoke with Fox News Digital about his research.
When asked if he was surprised by Caligula's interest in plants, Luke replied, "Yes and no."
"I knew Caligula had a reputation for being a prolific poisoner, and such a murderer might be expected to possess a detailed knowledge of the properties of toxic plants," Luke said.
"Antikyra may be the first known destination in Greece for Roman medical tourists."
"That said, murder by poisoning was a common theme in ancient literature about bad rulers and their families," the historian added.
Luke said that, as he dug into more ancient sources and archaeological studies, he noticed mounting evidence of Caligula's interest in medicinal plants – which he wasn't expecting.
Alexander the Great, Attalus III of Pergamon and Mithradates VI Eupator are other ancient leaders who took an interest in plants, Luke said — with Caligula possibly consulting pharmacological a text attributed to Mithradates.
Study co-author Andrew Koh noted that Antikyra was similar to the modern-day Mayo Clinic, drawing faraway people to the port by offering treatments for relentless illnesses.
"In other words, Antikyra may be the first known destination in Greece for Roman medical tourists," Luke said.
"When we think of a brand-name destination for innovative and effective medical treatments, the name Mayo Clinic immediately springs to mind, just as the name Antikyra did in the minds of ancient inhabitants of the Roman Empire for similar reasons."
He notes that Antikyra healers added a locally grown plant called sesamoides to their hellebore recipes, making them the safest and most effective purgative treatments at the time.
So, was the Roman emperor a "plant nerd" in the modern sense?
Luke told Fox News Digital that he doesn't mind that label, but added that Caligula's interest in the healing and harming power of plants wasn't just a hobby.
"At the same time, any concern he had regarding assassination by poison was justifiable in the circumstances," Luke said, pointing to the suspicious deaths of several family members, including his father-in-law Germanicus and brother-in-law Lepidus.
The classicist added, "[Caligula's] family members took up the study of poisons and their antidotes … It seems to me that the motive of self-defense behind Caligula's study of plants is different from just being a nerd."
Above all, Luke suggested that modern readers should read ancient sources like Suetonius with a critical eye, noting that his stories about Caligula were "skillfully organized … in such a way that they shocked readers."
"Shock does not lead to a clear perception of the facts," Luke said.
"When I pursue the facts behind some of the most outrageous stories about Caligula, I often find Suetonius has deftly distorted what likely happened."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Yahoo
7-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan for More Energy, Created by a Dietitian
Feeling sluggish? This Mediterranean diet meal plan may be just the ticket to improving your energy levels. To promote satiety and prevent that afternoon energy slump, we spread protein and fiber fairly evenly throughout each day, while following the principles of the Mediterranean diet, which is full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts and legumes. As with all meal plans, this is meant to serve as a framework for a healthy eating plan. Feel free to substitute a different meal, opt for leftovers or tailor it to whatever makes sense for your routine. Aim to eat mindfully, listen to your hunger cues and do what works best for your body. Meal Plan at a Glance Egg bites & smoothie/ Yogurt & fruit Tuna salad/ Energy balls Stew & salad English muffin & yogurt/ Pistachios Chicken soup/ Energy balls Salmon tacos Egg bites & smoothie/ Apple & nut butter Chicken soup/ Pear Steak salad English muffin & yogurt/ Apple Chicken soup/ Energy balls Chicken couscous bowl Egg bites & smoothie/ Yogurt & fruit Chickpea salad/ Energy balls Cauliflower salad English muffin & yogurt/ Egg & fruit Chickpea salad/ Energy balls Shrimp kebabs Egg bites & smoothie/ Pear Tuna salad/ Apple & nut butter Chicken & broccolini & beans Day 1 Breakfast (322 calories) 1 serving Roasted Red Pepper & Spinach Egg Bites 1 serving Berry-Mint Kefir Smoothies Morning Snack (135 calories) 1 (5-oz.) container low-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt ½ cup raspberries Lunch (351 calories) 1 serving Tuna Salad with Egg over 1 cup mixed greens 1 medium apple Afternoon Snack (190 calories) 1 serving (3 each) Blueberry-Lemon Energy Balls Dinner (490 calories) 1 serving Coconut Stew with Spinach & Beans 2 cups mixed greens 1 serving Citrus Vinaigrette Daily Totals: 1,488 calories, 71g fat, 74g protein, 150g carbohydrate, 30g fiber, 1,620mg sodium To make it 2,000 calories: Add 3 Tbsp. chopped walnuts to A.M. snack, 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to lunch and half an avocado, sliced, to the salad at dinner. Day 2 Breakfast (365 calories) 1 serving Peanut Butter & Chia Berry Jam English Muffin 1 (5-oz.) container low-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt Morning Snack (176 calories) ¼ cup shelled unsalted dry-roasted pistachios Lunch (363 calories) 1 serving Curried Chicken & Cabbage Soup 1 clementine Afternoon Snack (125 calories) 2 each Blueberry-Lemon Energy Balls Dinner (460 calories) 1 serving 30-Minute Roasted Salmon Tacos with Corn & Pepper Salsa Daily Totals: 1,489 calories, 61g fat, 95g protein, 158g carbohydrate, 31g fiber, 1,471mg sodium To make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts to breakfast, 1 medium apple to A.M. snack, 1 medium bell pepper with ¼ cup hummus to lunch and 1 serving Pineapple & Avocado Salad to dinner. Day 3 Breakfast (322 calories) 1 serving Roasted Red Pepper & Spinach Egg Bites 1 serving Berry-Mint Kefir Smoothies Morning Snack (305 calories) 1 medium apple 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter Lunch (359 calories) 1 serving Curried Chicken & Cabbage Soup ½ cup blackberries Afternoon Snack (131 calories) 1 large pear Dinner (405 calories) 1 serving Grilled Flank Steak with Tomato Salad 1-oz. slice whole-wheat baguette Daily Totals: 1,522 calories, 70g fat, 83g protein, 144g carbohydrate, 29g fiber, 1,852mg sodium To make it 2,000 calories: Increase to 2½ Tbsp. natural peanut butter at A.M. snack, add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds to P.M. snack and add 1 serving Blueberry-Lemon Energy Balls as an evening snack. Day 4 Breakfast (365 calories) 1 serving Peanut Butter & Chia Berry Jam English Muffin 1 (5-oz.) container low-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt Morning Snack (95 calories) 1 medium apple Lunch (363 calories) 1 serving Curried Chicken & Cabbage Soup 1 clementine Afternoon Snack (190 calories) 1 serving (3 each) Blueberry-Lemon Energy Balls Dinner (473 calories) 1 serving Chicken, Feta & Cucumber Couscous Bowls Daily Totals: 1,486 calories, 49g fat, 90g protein, 186g carbohydrate, 30g fiber, 1,667mg sodium To make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts to breakfast, 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to A.M. snack and 1 serving Traditional Greek Salad to dinner. Day 5 Breakfast (322 calories) 1 serving Roasted Red Pepper & Spinach Egg Bites 1 serving Berry-Mint Kefir Smoothies Morning Snack (135 calories) 1 (5-oz.) container low-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt ½ cup raspberries Lunch (401 calories) 1 serving Bell Pepper & Feta Chickpea Salad Afternoon Snack (125 calories) 2 each Blueberry-Lemon Energy Balls Dinner (502 calories) 1 serving Roasted Cranberry, Squash & Cauliflower Salad Daily Totals: 1,486 calories, 80g fat, 65g protein, 135g carbohydrate, 31g fiber, 1,680mg sodium To make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts to A.M. snack, 1 medium peach to lunch and 1 medium banana with 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter as an evening snack. Day 6 Breakfast (365 calories) 1 serving Peanut Butter & Chia Berry Jam English Muffin 1 (5-oz.) container low-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt Morning Snack (120 calories) 1 large hard-boiled egg ½ cup blueberries Lunch (401 calories) 1 serving Bell Pepper & Feta Chickpea Salad Afternoon Snack (190 calories) 1 serving (3 each) Blueberry-Lemon Energy Balls Dinner (442 calories) 1 serving Shrimp & Pepper Kebabs with Grilled Red Onion Slaw Daily Totals: 1,518 calories, 75g fat, 75g protein, 143g carbohydrate, 28g fiber, 1,179mg sodium To make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup chopped walnuts at breakfast, 1 medium peach to lunch and 1 serving Mango & Avocado Salad to dinner. Day 7 Breakfast (322 calories) 1 serving Roasted Red Pepper & Spinach Egg Bites 1 serving Berry-Mint Kefir Smoothies Morning Snack (131 calories) 1 large pear Lunch (345 calories) 1 serving Tuna Salad with Egg over 1 cup mixed greens 1 medium bell pepper, sliced 2 Tbsp. hummus Afternoon Snack (200 calories) 1 medium apple 1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter Dinner (520 calories) 1 serving Perfect Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts 1 serving Caramelized Broccolini & White Beans Daily Totals: 1,519 calories, 67g fat, 99g protein, 135g carbohydrate, 29g fiber, 1,953mg sodium To make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds to A.M. snack, increase to 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to P.M. snack and add 1 serving Blueberry-Lemon Energy Balls as an evening snack Frequently asked Questions Is it OK to mix and match meals if there's one I don't like? Yes! This meal plan is meant to serve as inspiration. It doesn't need to be followed exactly to reap the benefits. When choosing recipes, we made sure to check the calories, fiber, protein and sodium to align with the parameters of this plan and be within our sodium limits. If you're making a recipe swap, it may be helpful to choose a recipe with similar calories, fiber, protein and sodium levels. For more inspiration, check out these delicious Healthy Mediterranean Recipes. Can I eat the same breakfast or lunch every day? Definitely, it's fine to eat the same breakfast or lunch every day. The breakfasts range from 322 to 365 calories while the lunches span 345 to 401 calories. These ranges are fairly close, though if you're closely monitoring your calories or other nutrients, like protein, you may want to adjust a snack or two. Why is there not a modification for 1,200 calories? We no longer provide modifications for 1,200-calorie days in our meal plans. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests that limiting calories to 1,200 per day is too low for most people to meet their nutritional needs, plus it's unsustainable for long-term health and well-being. Tips for Using the Mediterranean Diet to Improve Energy Levels Rich in nutrients, the Mediterranean diet is a healthy way of eating that includes plenty of fresh produce, whole grains, legumes, healthy fats and a wide variety of lean proteins. Long regarded as one of the healthiest diets for its numerous health benefits, the Mediterranean diet is more of a lifestyle than a strict diet. Of course, it emphasizes plenty of nutrient-rich produce, but it also promotes cooking more meals at home, sharing meals with others, increasing mindfulness and slowing down to sit and enjoy meals rather than eating on the go. Because eating too little can zap energy levels, be sure to listen to your body and make sure that you're eating enough. You can keep your energy levels high by doing the following: Staying hydrated Eat regular meals and snacks Get enough sleep Eat balanced meals with carbs, healthy fats and protein Exercise daily Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Gizmodo
a day ago
- Gizmodo
This Small Town Greek Doctor on How He Uses AI: ‘'Without AI, Q Fever Might Not Have Been on Our List'
Ioannina, a lakeside town in northern Greece surrounded by mountains, is not the kind of place you expect to find cutting-edge artificial intelligence quietly reshaping medicine. Yet, inside its main public hospital, Dr. Tzimas is doing just that. Dr. Tzimas is quietly reshaping how medicine is practiced. From spotting rare diseases like Q fever to managing conflicts among junior doctors, Dr. Tzimas has woven AI into the rhythm of daily medical life. However, he believes that AI will not be able to replace the essential human interactions that are at the heart of his work. 'You have to listen to lung sounds, palpate the abdomen, look patients into their eyes,' he says. 'AI can't feel pain responses or smell signs of illness.' Dr. Tzimas is the director of the Internal Medicine Department at General Hospital of Ioannina 'G. Hatzikosta.' This interview is part of our series How Do You Use AI, where we ask people one simple question: How do you use AI? No TED Talk nonsense, just real life. Episode 3: Dr. Thomas Tzimas—AI Pragmatist. Gizmodo: How does AI fit into your daily medical practice? Dr. Tzimas: AI acts as an assistant that helps us work faster and more reliably. We feed it solid data, review the output, and proceed if it's okay. This is particularly helpful when we need to respond to insurance companies about a patient's situation or send emails to family physicians. Gizmodo: Can you give a specific example of how AI assists with patient care? Dr. Tzimas: One major area is drug interactions. There are extensive tables of drug interactions, but they're difficult to access quickly when you're with a patient. AI systems can provide this information very easily and without mistakes. It also helps with adjusting dosages for patients with conditions like renal insufficiency or hepatic failure, where normal doses might be harmful. Gizmodo: Are you concerned about AI 'hallucinations' or inaccuracies in the medical field? Dr. Tzimas: An experienced clinician can spot hallucinations right away. If you prompt the AI with very strict protocols, they do not hallucinate. The 'temperature' setting of AI models is crucial; for the medical field, it needs to be set to 0.3, which makes them very strict and prevents them from fantasizing or hallucinating. Normal AI systems often have a temperature of 1, which leads to a lot of fantasizing and hallucinating. Gizmodo: Do you use AI for personal matters? Dr. Tzimas: I use AI for almost all my emails, especially within the communication platform among doctors. I use a 'negotiator GPT' prompt that makes answers very diplomatic. This is particularly useful when there's a conflict among junior doctors, as I have to maintain integrity and prevent conflicts while still being strict. It helps me reply in a way that smooths over potential issues, like an accomplished diplomat would. Gizmodo: Interesting… Dr. Tzimas: I also use AI to create teaching materials very quickly. For instance, I can take a complex clinical case from a journal like the New England Journal of Medicine and ask the system to create multiple-choice questions from it. I then present these questions to the doctors, and I can see who answers correctly or incorrectly. The next day, I provided the correct answer. AI also helps me summarize large articles and complex medical cases from journals for easier discussion. This has freed up a lot of my time. Gizmodo: Does AI assist with diagnosis? Dr. Tzimas: AI tools are really capable for differential diagnosis. If a patient presents with a symptom like fever, it could be a thousand things. With AI, we can narrow down the possibilities to less than 10, and then through clinical examination, imaging, and consultations, we narrow it down to one. The system can even remind you of really rare conditions that might be happening to your patient. Gizmodo: When was the last time AI helped you in a case? Dr. Tzimas: A few hours ago, we completed a difficult case. One patient, a labor worker, had inhaled a lot of dust in a sheep and goat stable and came in with a fever. We used AI to consider what diseases could be contracted from dust in such a stable. One of the highly-ranked differential diagnoses was Q fever, which is very rare. We sent a blood sample to Athens to exclude it. Although it came back negative and the final diagnosis was unrelated, the AI system identified Q fever as a potential possibility, which opened our horizons. Without AI, Q fever might not have even on our list. Gizmodo: Do your patients use AI themselves? Dr. Tzimas: Yes, some patients now use AI, similar to how they used to Google their symptoms. They might come in saying, 'This is what ChatGPT said,' and we have to respond to that. As AI spreads, people with health questions will use it to get analyses of their symptoms. Our job as doctors remains the same: to professionally answer questions and provide credible answers and solutions. This means doctors also need to use AI for support, paperwork, and even creating dietary plans for patients. Gizomo: Does AI replace the need for administrative staff, like a personal assistant? Dr. Tzimas: It reduces the need. For example, my previous boss would write notes on paper for his assistant to type. Now, I dictate notes on my iPhone, copy-paste them into an AI system, and it creates a nice email. Also, I can take pictures of paper documents, and AI can transcribe them into a digital form, saving tons of time and creating digital archives. Gizmodo: Are you worried about AI replacing you? Dr. Tzimas: No, not at all. My job involves experience that AI cannot yet replicate. I need to listen to lung, heart, and bowel sounds, palpate patients, and inspect them. While AI might analyze a digital photograph of a skin lesion, it cannot palpate a patient and feel the intensity of pain or guarding. These are qualities that rely on a doctor's senses, like smelling a patient's breath to detect diabetic ketoacidosis. Human interaction, like looking a patient in the eyes, observing their demeanor, and assessing their hygiene, provides crucial information that AI cannot easily replace. AI helps save time, but it needs an experienced physician to input those essential details. Gizmodo: How does AI affect your work-life balance? Dr. Tzimas: It saves time. Preparing teaching material used to take me hours; now I just spend an hour or a couple of hours and I'm ready. So I have more time for my personal life.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
AB Science has received approval from several European countries to initiate the confirmatory phase 3 study of masitinib in ALS
PRESS RELEASE AB SCIENCE HAS RECEIVED APPROVAL FROM SEVERAL EUROPEAN COUNTRIES TO INITIATE THE CONFIRMATORY PHASE 3 STUDY OF MASITINIB IN AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS THIS APPROVAL FOLLOWS PROTOCOL VALIDATION BY THE EMA AND FDA AUTHORIZATION Paris, July 24, 2025, 8am CET AB Science SA (Euronext - FR0010557264 - AB) today announced that the confirmatory Phase 3 study with masitinib in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), study AB23005, has been authorized by the first set of European countries (Spain, Greece, Slovenia) in Step 2 of the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) procedure. This authorization follows EMA's validation of the harmonized protocol, approved at the end of Step 1 of the CTIS procedure, and followed the authorization from the FDA. Consequently, AB Science can now initiate this registration study in Europe and the United States. Professor Albert Ludolph, MD, PhD (University of Ulm, Germany), principal investigator of the study, said: "Masitinib ALS study AB23005 has great potential because it's design is based on strong clinical and preclinical data. That is to say, results from the first 48-week Phase 2B/3 study, AB10015, which generated a strong hypothesis with significant survival of several months in the patient population being targeted in this confirmatory study, and also numerous preclinical studies that provide compelling insight into masitinib's mechanism of action in ALS and its effect on biomarkers such as neurofilaments (NfL) by targeting mast cells and microglia." Alignment with the FDA and EMA on the Phase 3 design and, in particular, the study population focused on patients who respond best to masitinib. Study AB23005 is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm study in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), to confirm the efficacy and safety of masitinib (at a dose of 4.5 mg/kg/day in combination with riluzole) as compared against riluzole in combination with placebo after 48 weeks of treatment. The study will include 408 patients (randomized 1:1) with ALS, with normal disease progression (i.e., functional decline of less than 1.1 points per month) and no total loss of function (i.e., a score of at least 1 on each of the 12 items of the ALSFRS-R score). US patients receiving edaravone will also be eligible to participate in the study, with the use of this drug being a stratification factor. This design has been validated in discussions with European health authorities, particularly with regard to the criteria for the optimal population selected for the confirmatory study: Patients without rapid progression: Experts of the EMA's Scientific Advisory Group on Neurology (SAG-N) considered the categorization of the study population with normal progressors, defined as an average rate of change in the ALSFRS-R of less than 1.1 points per month, as clinically relevant and consistent with the expected progression of the disease, and therefore acceptable when predefined, which is the case for this study. Patients without complete loss of function: The SAG-N experts considered that the ALSFRS-R scale is widely used in clinical practice and that administration criteria are available for healthcare professionals. Therefore, the subgroup of patients with very severe ALS (who have a score of zero on at least one of the 12 individual items of the ALSFRS-R) can be easily identified in clinical practice. In this subgroup, defined as patients before complete loss of function and with normal disease progression, which corresponds to the optimal population of best responders to masitinib that is targeted in study AB23005, the AB10015 study generated extremely robust results, with a median survival increase of +12 months. This optimal population represents approximately 75% of the total patient population. Masitinib 4.5 mg/kg/day vs placebo AB10015 Primary Analysis Subgroup Analysis of Patients Meeting the Criteria for Study AB23005 Main EMA criterion∆ALSFRS-R * Difference in means 2.6 3.1 p-value 0.0462 0.0308 FDA primary endpoint CAFS Relative benefit + 14.8 20. p-value 0.0776 0.0290 Quality of Life (ALSAQ-40*) Difference in means -6.04 -6.22 p-value 0.030 0.044 Respiratory function(FVC *) Difference in means 5.8 7.5 p value 0.0931 0.038 Median PFS Gain + 4 months + 9 months Median [95% CI] 20 vs 16 25 vs 16 p-value (log rank) 0.015 0.0057 Median survival (SG) Gain + 6 months + 12 months Median [95% CI] 46 vs 40 53 vs 41 p-value (log rank) 0.076 0.019 * Analysis CIR: Copy Increment in Reference; FVC: Forced Vital Capacity; PFS: Progression-Free Survival; OS: Overall Survival Optimization of statistical sample size to maximize chances of success The optimal population included approximately 90 patients per treatment group in the AB10015 study. The effect of masitinib was statistically significant (p=0.0290) on the CAFS endpoint, which is the endpoint recognized by the FDA. The AB23005 study will enroll approximately 200 patients per treatment group, more than double the number in the AB10015 study, in order to achieve high statistical power for this test and maximize the chances of statistical success. Demonstrated mechanism of action targeting mast cells and microglia Masitinib, thanks to its well-demonstrated mechanism of action, particularly its immunomodulatory properties targeting mast cells and microglia, preserves neuromuscular function. The immunomodulatory properties of masitinib in ALS have been well demonstrated in a preclinical setting using a relevant model that replicates the complexity of a multicomponent immune response with concomitant evidence of neurodegeneration [1-4]. The mechanism of action of masitinib in ALS has been confirmed by independent research. Harrison and colleagues showed that treatment of SOD1G93A mice with masitinib significantly reduced macrophage infiltration, prevented the loss of terminal Schwann cells and , and improved reinnervation of partially denervated plantar muscles [5]. Recent pharmacological data have shown that mast cells infiltrate the degenerating spinal cord in both mouse models of ALS and in patients with ALS [6]. The results indicate a protective effect of masitinib. Masitinib has demonstrated its ability to reduce blood levels of neurofilament light (NfL) in a model of neurodegenerative disease (EAE model) [7]. Masitinib has demonstrated its ability to restore motor performance in zebrafish expressing the TDP-43 mutant. Overall, these preclinical results establish the biological plausibility of masitinib for use in ALS and support the hypothesis that masitinib may offer clinical benefit if administered early in the disease course (i.e., before the point of permanent loss of function). Intellectual property protection until 2037 or even 2042 and Orphan Drug Designation Based on the results of the AB10015 study, AB Science has filed a patent application for methods of treating ALS (i.e., a secondary medical use patent) with its lead molecule, masitinib, and this patent has been granted in all jurisdictions where it has been filed. This patent provides strong protection for masitinib in the treatment of ALS until 2037 and in all geographical areas where masitinib could be marketed, including Europe (patent EP 3240538), the United States (US 10092564), Canada (CA 3018635), China (ZL201780019760. 9), South Korea (KR 10-2293847), Japan (JP 7250312B2), Singapore (SG 11201808106Y), Hong Kong (HK 1261581), Israel (IL 261856), Australia (AU M53001274), Eurasia (EA 201800499), Mexico (MX 390495), New Zealand (NZ 745778) and South Africa (ZA 2018/05810). An extension of this protection for 5 years is possible in certain countries. In addition, masitinib has been designated as an orphan drug for ALS by both the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This orphan drug designation confers 10 and 7 years of marketing exclusivity in Europe and the United States, respectively, from the date of product registration. Such status may also be sought in Japan. If granted, the period of commercial exclusivity is extended to 10 years (compared with 4 to 6 years for conventional drugs). References: [1] Trias E, Kovacs M, King PH, et al. Glia. 2020;68(6):1165-1181. [2] Trias E, King PH, Si Y, et al. JCI Insight. 2018;3(19):e123249. [3] Trias E, Ibarburu S, Barreto-Núñez R, et al. JCI Insight. 2017;2(20):e95934. [4] Trias E, Ibarburu S, Barreto-Núñez R, et al. J Neuroinflammation. 2016;13(1):177.[5] Harrison JM, Rafuse VF. Neurobiol Dis. 2020;145:105052. [6] Kovacs M, Alamón C, Maciel C, et al. Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2021;9(1):136. [7] Hermine O, Gros L, Tran T-A, et al. (2025) PLoS ONE 20(4):e0322199. About AB ScienceFounded in 2001, AB Science is a pharmaceutical company specializing in the research, development and commercialization of protein kinase inhibitors (PKIs), a class of targeted proteins whose action are key in signaling pathways within cells. Our programs target only diseases with high unmet medical needs, often lethal with short term survival or rare or refractory to previous line of treatment. AB Science has developed a proprietary portfolio of molecules and the Company's lead compound, masitinib, has already been registered for veterinary medicine and is developed in human medicine in oncology, neurological diseases, inflammatory diseases and viral diseases. The company is headquartered in Paris, France, and listed on Euronext Paris (ticker: AB). Further information is available on AB Science's website: Forward-looking Statements - AB ScienceThis press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts. These statements include projections and estimates as well as the assumptions on which they are based, statements based on projects, objectives, intentions and expectations regarding financial results, events, operations, future services, product development and their potential or future performance. These forward-looking statements can often be identified by the words "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "estimate" or "plan" as well as other similar terms. While AB Science believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of AB Science and which may imply that results and actual events significantly differ from those expressed, induced or anticipated in the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include the uncertainties related to product development of the Company which may not be successful or to the marketing authorizations granted by competent authorities or, more generally, any factors that may affect marketing capacity of the products developed by AB Science, as well as those developed or identified in the public documents published by AB Science. AB Science disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update the forward-looking information and statements, subject to the applicable regulations, in particular articles 223-1 et seq. of the AMF General Regulations. For additional information, please contact: AB ScienceFinancial Communication & Media Relations investors@ Attachment Authorisation Ph3 ALS VENG VFError in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
