Could a Dual-Action pill tame the tumor behind cushing disease?
NCT ID NCT05971758
First seen Jul 17, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026
Summary
This phase 2 trial tests fimepinostat, a drug that blocks two cancer-related pathways, in adults with Cushing disease caused by a pituitary tumor. The goal is to see if the drug can lower cortisol levels to normal within four weeks. The study compares two doses and includes patients with new, persistent, or recurrent disease.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a drug called fimepinostat that blocks two tumor-related pathways (HDAC and PI3-kinase)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could offer a new non-surgical treatment option for Cushing disease by targeting the pituitary tumor directly.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase pilot study with only 20 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The drug may cause side effects or fail to normalize cortisol levels.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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About 20 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2025
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Male and female patients at least 18 years old * Patients with confirmed pituitary origin Cushing syndrome defined as 1, 2\& 3 or 4 \& 5 below: 1. Persistent hypercortisolism defined as a mean of 3 consecutive 24h UFC at baseline assessment ≥ 1.3x ULN 2. Normal or elevated plasma ACTH levels 3. Pituitary adenoma \> 4mm visible on MRI or inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) central to peripheral ACTH gradient \>2 at baseline and/or \>2 after DDAVP stimulation. 4. Recurrent or persistent CD defined as pathologically confirmed previously resected pituitary ACTH-secreting tumor, and 24 hour UFC \>ULN at least 4 weeks after pituitary surgery. 5. Patients on medical treatment for CD. Washout periods will be completed as below before screening: Inhibitors of steroidogenesis (metyrapone, ketoconazole, osilodristat, * Levo-ketoconazole): 2 weeks * SRLs (pasireotide): 2 weeks * Progesterone receptor antagonist (mifepristone): 2 weeks * Dopamine agonists (cabergoline): 4 weeks * CYP3A4 strong inducers or inhibitors: varies between drugs; minimum 5-6 times the half-life of drug Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with compromised visual fields, or evidence of visual changes within past 6 months * Patients with sellar tumor abutting or compressing the optic chiasm on MRI and normal visual fields * Patients with Cushing's syndrome not due to an ACTH-secreting pituitary tumor * Patients who have undergone major surgery including pituitary surgery within 1 month of screening or who have any major surgical procedures planned across the study period * Patients with serum potassium \< 3.5 mEq/L unless stably controlled on potassium supplementation * Patients with poorly-controlled Diabetes mellitus evidenced by HbA1c levels \>8 * Patients with poorly controlled hypertension (i.e. blood pressure ≥ 160/100 mm Hg) * Patients who have clinically significant cardiovascular impairment, as evidenced by the presence of bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia, history of myocardial infarction within past year, or any other cardiovascular impairment that may pose significant health risk in view of the investigator. * Patients with liver disease or history of liver disease such as cirrhosis, chronic active hepatitis B and C, or chronic persistent hepatitis, or patients with ALT or AST \>1.5 x ULN, serum total bilirubin \>ULN, serum albumin \<0.67 x LLN at screening * Patients with renal disease or history of renal disease with creatinine clearance of 30 cm3/min or less and/or creatinine \> 1.5 mg/dl at screening * Patients not biochemically euthyroid. Patients receiving thyroid-replacement therapy must be on a stable dose for at least 3 months. * Patients who are known to be positive for HIV, or any other condition that significantly compromises subject's immune system. * History of alcohol abuse or illicit substance use within past year. * Female patients who are pregnant or lactating or are of childbearing potential unless willing to practice acceptable method of birth control. Women participating in the trial must employ double barrier method through oral contraceptive or diaphragm with partner utilizing a condom. Abstinence is an acceptable form of birth control if routinely practiced. Male participants must utilize a condom with spermicidal cap/jelly and agree to not donate sperm for up to 3 months beyond main study period. * Patients who have participated in any clinical investigation with an investigational drug within 1 month prior to screening or within 5 half-lives of the investigational treatment whichever is longer. * Patients with concomitant treatment of strong CYP3A4 inducers or inhibitors. * Patients who have received pituitary irradiation within the last 5 years prior to the baseline visit * Patients with known hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) positivity * Patients with known hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) positivity
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Ronald Reagan Medical Center
RECRUITINGLos Angeles, California, 90095, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- New PET scan aims to spot tiny brain tumors that standard MRI misses
- New PET scan could spot tiny brain tumors missed by MRI
- New scan could pinpoint hidden brain tumors in cushing patients
- New ultrasound technique could help surgeons spot hidden pituitary tumors