Masitinib is primarily used in veterinary medicine for the treatment of mast cell tumors in dogs. It functions as a selective inhibitor of certain tyrosine kinases, including c-Kit, PDGFR, and Lyn, which play key roles in tumor cell proliferation and survival. Due to its ability to target specific signaling pathways involved in cancer progression, masitinib is also being investigated in human clinical trials for various conditions such as certain cancers, neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and autoimmune disorders. Its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties make it a candidate for treating diseases where mast cell and macrophage activation contribute to pathology. Additionally, research explores its potential in inhibiting viral replication, including in diseases like COVID-19, by interfering with host cell kinases required for viral entry and processing.