Emestedastat
Emestedastat is a steroidogenesis inhibitor which is under development for the treatment of major depressive disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and fragile X syndrome. It specifically acts as a centrally penetrant inhibitor of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and thereby inhibits the synthesis of the glucocorticoid steroid hormone cortisol. As of August 2024, emestedastat is in phase 2 clinical trials for major depressive disorder and Alzheimer's disease and is in the preclinical stage of development for fragile X syndrome. Clinical effectiveness for Alzheimer's disease has been mixed. It was originated by the University of Edinburgh and is being developed by Actinogen Medical.