Re-purposed drug has FDA approval

FDA approves Relacorilant as combination treatment for platinum resistant ovarian cancer

https://tinyurl.com/2sjzmu7k

Following the success of the ROSELLA trial the FDA has approved the use of Relacorilant in combination with standard chemo for treatment of platinum resistant ovarian cancer.

This is an example of re-purposing of the drug Relacorilant, which was intended for use in adrenal insufficiency. The drug acts by glucocorticoid receptor blockade which also prevents the side effect of cortisol suppressing the immune response to ovarian cancer, by blocking cellular access.

The ROSELLA trial involving 381 patients with platinum resistant ovarian cancer showed a 35% increase in overall survival for the treatment group with a median survival of 16 months compared to 12 months for the control group.

Re-purposing of drugs is expected to become more frequent with the advent of artificial intelligence, which can quickly identify other possible uses. It is obviously beneficial to already know potential adverse effects prior to clinical trials and hopefully reduce costs for new therapy.