In short
Relacorilant is an investigational drug being studied in clinical trials for various conditions, primarily Cushing syndrome. It works as a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, potentially helping to manage the effects of excess cortisol in the body. This article summarizes key information about ongoing clinical trials evaluating Relacorilant's safety, efficacy, and potential applications.
At a glance
- Drug Name
- Relacorilant (also known as CORT125134)
- Drug Class
- Glucocorticoid receptor antagonist
- Primary Conditions Studied
- Cushing syndrome, Adrenocortical carcinoma, Prostate cancer, Cortisol-secreting adrenal adenomas
- Administration
- Oral capsules, typically once daily
- Key Outcome Measures
- Blood pressure, glucose levels, quality of life, body composition, safety assessments
- Trial Phases
- Phase 1, Phase 3
- Notable Study Designs
- Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation, food effect studies
- Combination Therapies
- Studied with pembrolizumab for adrenocortical carcinoma, enzalutamide for prostate cancer
What is Relacorilant?
Relacorilant is an investigational drug being developed to treat several medical conditions. It is also known by the names CORT125134 and CORT-125134. Relacorilant comes in the form of capsules that are taken by mouth.
How Does Relacorilant Work?
Relacorilant works by blocking the effects of cortisol, a hormone produced by the body in response to stress. Specifically, it is a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, which means it prevents cortisol from binding to and activating its receptor. By doing this, Relacorilant can help reduce the harmful effects of having too much cortisol in the body.
What Conditions Does Relacorilant Treat?
Relacorilant is being studied as a treatment for several conditions, including:
- Cushing's syndrome: A disorder caused by having too much cortisol in the body for long periods. This can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other health problems.
- Adrenocortical carcinoma: A rare cancer of the adrenal glands that can produce excess cortisol.
- Prostate cancer: Relacorilant is being studied in combination with other drugs for treating advanced prostate cancer.
Ongoing Clinical Trials
Relacorilant is currently being tested in several clinical trials to determine its safety and effectiveness. Some of these studies include:
- A study looking at how Relacorilant affects blood sugar and blood pressure in patients with Cushing's syndrome.
- A trial examining Relacorilant's effects in patients with adrenal tumors that produce excess cortisol.
- A study combining Relacorilant with another drug called pembrolizumab to treat adrenocortical carcinoma.
- An investigation of Relacorilant in combination with enzalutamide for treating advanced prostate cancer.
Potential Side Effects
As Relacorilant is still being studied, all of its potential side effects are not yet known. The clinical trials are carefully monitoring patients for any adverse events. Some of the things being watched for include:
- Changes in blood pressure
- Changes in blood sugar levels
- Effects on heart rhythm
- Changes in laboratory tests (like blood and urine tests)
- Any other unexpected health issues
It's important to note that not all patients will experience side effects, and the benefits of the medication may outweigh the risks for many people.
Drug Interactions
Researchers are also studying how Relacorilant interacts with other medications. Some specific interactions being investigated include:
- How Relacorilant affects the levels of a blood thinner called dabigatran in the body.
- The interaction between Relacorilant and a drug called itraconazole, which is used to treat fungal infections.
These studies will help doctors understand how to safely use Relacorilant with other medications in the future.