Antalarmin

Antalarmin is a drug that acts as a CRF-1 antagonist.

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), also known as Corticotropin-releasing hormone, is an endogenous peptide hormone released in response to various triggers such as chronic stress and drug addiction. This, then, triggers the release of corticotropin (ACTH), another hormone involved in the physiological response to stress. Chronic release of CRF and ACTH is believed to be directly or indirectly involved in many of the harmful physiological effects of chronic stress, such as excessive glucocorticoid release, stomach ulcers, anxiety, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, depression, and development of high blood pressure and consequent cardiovascular problems.

Antalarmin is a non-peptide drug that blocks the CRF-1 receptor, and, as a consequence, reduces the release of ACTH in response to chronic stress. This has been demonstrated in animals to reduce the behavioural responses to stressful situations, and it is proposed that antalarmin itself, or more likely newer CRF antagonist drugs still under development, could be useful for reducing the adverse health consequences of chronic stress in humans, as well as having possible uses in the treatment of conditions such as anxiety, depression, and drug addiction.