A Phase 2 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of emestedastat in patients with major depressive disorder and cognitive impairment

The XanaCIDD trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of emestedastat, a cortisol synthesis inhibitor, in improving cognitive impairment and depression in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and cognitive deficits. The study found no significant improvement in cognitive function at the primary endpoint, although there were trends suggesting potential antidepressant effects on secondary measures of depression. These results indicate that while emestedastat did not enhance cognitive outcomes, it may warrant further exploration as a novel antidepressant treatment.