Judge Denies Teva Pharmaceuticals' Motion to Dismiss Corcept Therapeutics' Allegations of Patent Infringement

MENLO PARK, Calif., Oct. 24, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Corcept Therapeutics Incorporated CORT, a company engaged in the discovery, development and commercialization of drugs to treat severe metabolic, oncologic and psychiatric disorders by modulating the effects of the stress hormone cortisol, today announced that Judge Susan Wigenton of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey has denied Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.'s motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by Corcept alleging infringement of patents relating to the use of Korlym^®, Corcept's medication for the treatment of patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome. 

Corcept has sued Teva for infringement of two patents covering Korlym upon receipt of notice in February 2018 that Teva is seeking approval from the United States Food & Drug Administration to market a generic version of Korlym.  In July 2018, Corcept filed an amended complaint asserting a third patent against Teva.  Judge Wigenton's denial of Teva's motion means that Corcept's lawsuit will proceed.

"We are gratified by today's decision," said Joseph K. Belanoff, MD, Corcept's Chief Executive Officer, "and look forward to developing and presenting our case to the Court.  We will vigorously enforce our intellectual property rights."

About Cushing's Syndrome

Hypercortisolism, often referred to as Cushing's syndrome, is caused by excessive activity of the stress hormone cortisol. Endogenous Cushing's syndrome is an orphan disease that most often affects adults aged 20-50. In the United States, an estimated 20,000 patients have Cushing's syndrome, with about 3,000 new patients being diagnosed each year. Symptoms vary, but most people experience one or more of the following manifestations: high blood sugar, diabetes, high blood pressure, upper-body obesity, rounded face, increased fat around the neck, thinning arms and legs, severe fatigue and weak muscles. Irritability, anxiety, cognitive disturbances and depression are also common. Cushing's syndrome can affect every organ system in the body and can be lethal if not treated effectively.

About Corcept Therapeutics Incorporated

Corcept's first approved product, Korlym, inhibits the effects of excess cortisol in patients with hypercortisolism by modulating activity at the glucocorticoid receptor, one of the two receptors to which cortisol binds.  Korlym was the first FDA-approved treatment for patients with Cushing's syndrome and the FDA has designated it as an Orphan Drug for that indication.  Corcept has created a large portfolio of proprietary compounds that modulate the effects of cortisol but not progesterone. The company owns extensive United States and foreign intellectual property covering the use of cortisol modulators in the treatment of a wide variety of serious disorders. The company also holds composition of matter patents covering its selective cortisol modulators.  By year-end, Corcept expects to begin a Phase 3 trial of its lead proprietary molecule, relacorilant, to treat patients with Cushing's syndrome.

CONTACT:
Charles Robb
Chief Financial Officer
Corcept Therapeutics
650-688-8783
crobb@corcept.com
www.corcept.com