A Phase III finding of a set of blood biomarkers could lead to a companion diagnostic to be used alongside masitinib, AB Science's investigational drug for pancreatic cancer. The diagnostic test, in development with AB Science's partner Skuldtech, will identify those patients most likely to respond to the drug, which acts by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosine kinase. According to Skuldtech CEO Didier Ritter, this is the first time that new biological markers have been discovered during a Phase III clinical trial. Masitinib is also in development for treatment of gastrointestinal tumors, multiple melanoma, inflammatory disease and CNS disorders. Press release