Cortexolone 17α-propionate (WINLEVI, BREEZULA) is a steroid belonging to the family of cortexolone derivatives. It is a topical and peripherally selective androgen antagonist. WINLEVI is used for the treatment of acne and has completed Phase II clinical trials and Phase III trials. BREEZULA is used for the treatment of androgenic alopecia and is currently undergoing a Phase II trial in the US.

CX 516, a compound synthesized by Cortex Pharmaceuticals using Ampakine® technology licensed from the University of California, was in clinical investigations for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, fragile X syndrome and autism, and sleep disorders, however, development of this drug candidate has been discontinued. CX 516 had an extremely short halflife in humans, very low potency and failed to show any benefits in phase II studies. The compound did have a good safety profile, reducing concerns about the toxicity of excess glutamate. Cortex subsequently terminated clinical development of CX 516.

CX614 (2H,3H,6aH-pyrrolidino(2,1-3',2')1,3-oxazino(6',5'-5,4)benzo(e)1,4-dioxan-10-one) is a positive allosteric modulator of the AMPA receptor. Chronic treatment of rat hippocampal slices with CX614 gradually reduced levels of glutamate receptor (GluR)1 and GluR2/3 AMPA subunits and of their anchoring proteins synapse-associated protein 97 (SAP97) and glutamate receptor interacting protein 1 (GRIP1). The physiological and toxicological properties of this compound have not been evaluated in humans.