XERECEPT®

XERECEPT® (corticorelin acetate injection) is a synthetic preparation of the natural human peptide CRF. In preclinical studies, XERECEPT has been demonstrated to be an inhibitor of swelling, or edema. The compound is being developed for its ability to reduce peritumoral brain edema (swelling in the brain due to a tumor), a dangerous complication of brain cancer. It has the potential to be safer than synthetic corticosteroids, the existing standard treatment for cerebral edema, that have serious adverse effects at the chronic high doses required for efficacy.

TREATING CEREBRAL EDEMA

For the hundreds of thousands of patients with brain tumors in the U.S., peritumoral cerebral edema (brain swelling) is a serious condition that can lead to major physiological and psychological consequences for the patient including seizures, muscle weakness, loss of coordination, and double vision. Current treatments include synthetic corticosteroids which are suboptimal at the high, chronic doses needed to be effective. Serious side effects of corticosteroids include psychosis, muscle wasting, osteoporosis, and vision problems.

Originally licensed from the Salk Institute in 1988, XERECEPT works by inhibiting the accumulation of fluids into brain tissue; thereby reducing pressure within the confines of the skull that occurs with this condition. A safe, effective anti-swelling agent would enhance the quality of life for patients diagnosed each year with brain tumors. The FDA granted XERECEPT orphan drug designation for this condition in 1998.

In November 2005, the company sold its rights to XERECEPT to Celtic Pharma. The company has the potential to receive milestone, royalty and revenue sharing payments, if XERECEPT is successfully developed.