Mifepristone, a glucocorticoid antagonist for the potential treatment of psychotic major depression

Abstract

Corcept Therapeutics Inc is developing mifepristone (as C-1073, Corlux), an orally available progesterone and glucocorticoid antagonist originally launched as an abortifacient by Aventis Pharma AG, for the potential treatment of the psychotic features of psychotic major depression (PMD) and for Alzheimer's disease (AD). In August 2004, a pivotal phase III trial was initiated in the US for psychotic features of PMD, a second trial began in October 2004 and these were followed by a European phase III trial in May 2005. However, in August 2006, September 2006 and March 2007, respectively, these phase III trials failed to meet their endpoints. A further phase III trial was to commence later in 2007. By August 2006, Corcept expected to file an NDA for PMD in 2007. In addition, in March 2005 a phase II study of mifepristone as a cognitive enhancer in AD was underway, and in May 2006 a proof-of-concept study in alleviating the weight gain associated with olanzapine had begun.