What's Happening?
Corcept Therapeutics has presented new data from its Phase 3 ROSELLA trial at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2025 Annual Meeting, highlighting the benefits of relacorilant combined with
nab-paclitaxel in treating platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The trial demonstrated improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients who had previously been treated with PARP inhibitors, a group with particularly poor prognosis. The data showed a 30% reduction in disease progression risk and a 31% reduction in death risk when relacorilant was added to nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy. Corcept is also expanding its Phase 2 BELLA trial to include three study arms targeting different cancer types, with initial results expected in late 2026.
Why It's Important?
The findings from Corcept's trials are significant as they offer new hope for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, a condition with limited treatment options and poor outcomes. The demonstrated efficacy of relacorilant in improving survival rates could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing this challenging cancer type. The expansion of clinical trials to include platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer further underscores the potential of relacorilant in broader oncological applications. This development could impact the pharmaceutical industry by introducing a novel treatment option, potentially improving patient outcomes and expanding market opportunities for Corcept.
What's Next?
Corcept plans to continue its clinical trials, with the expanded BELLA trial expected to yield initial results by late 2026. The company is also awaiting the FDA's decision on its New Drug Application for relacorilant in treating platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) date set for July 11, 2026. If approved, relacorilant could become a vital treatment option for patients with limited alternatives, potentially influencing treatment protocols and healthcare practices in oncology.
Beyond the Headlines
The success of relacorilant in overcoming chemotherapy resistance highlights the importance of cortisol modulation in cancer treatment. By targeting the glucocorticoid receptor, relacorilant may offer a new approach to managing tumor growth and resistance, which could lead to broader applications in other cancer types. This development also raises ethical considerations regarding access to new treatments and the need for continued research to ensure equitable healthcare advancements.
