Corticorelin: ACTH RF, corticoliberin, corticotrophin-releasing hormone, corticotropin-releasing factor, human corticotropin-releasing hormone, ovine corticotrophin-releasing factor, Xerecept.

Neurobiological Technologies in the US is clinically developing corticorelin [ACTH RF, corticoliberin, corticotrophin-releasing hormone, corticotropin-releasing factor, human corticotropin-releasing hormone; Xerecept], a synthetic preparation of the peptide hormone Corticotropin-Releasing Factor (CRF), as a potential treatment for the reduction of cerebral oedema associated with brain cancer (peritumoral brain oedema). Corticorelin may be a safer alternative than the use of current treatments such as synthetic corticosteroids. In addition, the company believe the agent may enhance radiation therapy for brain tumours. Neurobiological Technologies licensed human corticorelin from the Salk Institute in the US. Various phase I/II trials have shown improvement in neurological function with corticorelin, which was well tolerated. In 1998, corticorelin received orphan drug status from the US FDA for the treatment of peritumoral brain oedema.