Dazucorilant

What is the drug thought to do in the body?

Increased levels of cortisol have been seen in people living with MND. High levels of cortisol can increase inflammation and be toxic to nerve cells, which are associated with MND. Dazucorilant blocks the glucocorticoid receptor, which normally binds to cortisol. Blocking cortisol from binding is thought to limit the consequences of increased cortisol exposure and potentially help slow disease progression. In early laboratory testing, Dazucorilant was found to improve motor performance, reduce neuroinflammation and muscular atrophy. 

Trial Outcome

The phase 2 trial (DAZALS) investigated the safety and efficacy of Dazucorilant by comparing the treatment to a placebo over 24-weeks. Corcept Therapeutics reported that the phase 2 clinical trial of Dazucorilant (DAZALS) did not meet its primary endpoint. This suggests that there was no significant change in ALSFRS-R (from baseline to 24-weeks) for those who received the treatment compared to those who received the placebo (dummy drug). Although the primary endpoint was not met, the trial results suggested that there was a statistically significant change in the secondary endpoint of survival. During the 24 weeks of the trial, there were no deaths in the group of people who received Dazucorilant, while five people in the placebo group died.

Dazucorilant testing continued in an open-label extension, where everyone who took part in the trial was given the opportunity to take Dazucorilant, regardless of whether they were on placebo or the drug in the trial. During the open-label extension the survival improvement was found to continue for those who were on the drug from the start of the study and on the open-label extension when compared to those who were on placebo and didn't continue on the open label extension.

Corcept therapeutics are now seeking guidance from regulatory bodies (the Food and Drug Administration and the European medicines agency) to work out a path forward for Dazucorilant. 

Last updated: 10/06/2025