Pexacerfont (INN,[1] previously known as BMS-562,086) is a drug developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb which acts as a CRF1 antagonist.

This then triggers the release of corticotropin (ACTH), another hormone which is 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, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, stomach ulcers[citation needed], anxiety, depression, and development of high blood pressure and consequent cardiovascular problems.

[citation needed] A recent multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that pexacerfont (100 mg/day) did not separate from placebo on the primary outcome measure (the mean change from baseline to end point in the Hamilton Anxiety Scale score).

[4] These results suggest that blockade of CRF1 receptor may not be a feasible treatment for anxiety disorders in certain human populations.