Catalysts on tap for Corcept |
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| By Brian Wilson | |
| Monday, 06 February 2012 08:59 | |
 Corcept Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CORT) is a drug discovery company focused on the development of treatments for metabolic and psychiatric disorders. Their flagship product, which has been renamed from CORLUX to the active name Korlym, is undergoing FDA review as a treatment for Cushing’s Syndrone and is also being developed (in phase III trials) for the treatment of psychotic depression.
Cushing’s syndrome is classified as either exogenous or endogenous. Corcept is looking to treat the more problematic endogenous designation, which is generally caused by tumors secreting excessive levels of cortisol.
The hormone cortisol is a major factor in both of these conditions, and it is the mechanism by which Corcept’s drug Korlym acts. The active ingredient, mifepristone, is a generic compound which antagonizes cortisol and progesterone receptors. Phase 3 trials have been conducted to determine the efficacy of Korlym and its ability to improve the condition of patients suffering from hormone imbalances. In the SEISMIC study concluded in 2011, fifty Cushing’s Syndrome patients were enrolled and ultimately exhibited statistically significant improvements in their clinical data. Shares of Corcept have been inching upwards since their dramatic tumble in August, and might be poised to return to their original levels above $4/share as the PDUFA goal date of February 17, 2012 approaches. In addition to the NDA decision on Korlym with regards to Cushing’s Syndrome, Korlym’s progress on its treatment potential for psychotic depression should effect the shares. Lastly, the working drug CORT 108297 in Phase II trials may also draw investor interest due to its ability to block the cortisol receptor exclusively, which allow the potential for a treatment of a broader range of diseases. A look at the BioMedReports FDA Calatalyst Calendar also shows that the firm is advancing their second selective GR-II antagonist, CORT 113083, towards an Investigational New Drug submission. They told the market last May, via an 8-K filing, that they anticipate submitting their IND for CORT 113083 some time in the first half of 2012. Corcept's research and clinical development are focused on antagonizing or blocking the GR-II receptor for cortisol, a hormone implicated in a broad range of psychiatric and metabolic diseases. Its first-generation compound, Korlym, also known as mifepristone is used for the treatment of Cushing's syndrome as well as for Psychotic Depression. Korlym is a small molecule which blocks the cortisol, or GR-II receptor. By blocking the receptor, it reduces the receptor's activation by cortisol. Its CORT 108297 is developed for the prevention of weight gain induced by antipsychotic medication. The firm has collaborations with MedAvante, Inc, Xceleron Ltd, Eli Lilly & Co. Produits Chimiques Auxiliaires et de Synthese SA (PCAS), i3 Research, and others. BiomedReports is not paid or compensated to report news and developments about publicly traded companies. Full disclosure can be read in the About Us Section Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites            |
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