Could a drug tame excess cortisol in a common hormone disorder?
NCT ID NCT07138274
First seen Jun 29, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether the drug metyrapone can safely lower cortisol levels in people with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS), a condition where the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. Participants will receive either metyrapone or a placebo for a short period, and researchers will measure changes in hormone ratios and daily cortisol patterns. The goal is to see if metyrapone can help control the hormone imbalance and improve health outcomes.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- metyrapone
- What this could lead to
- If successful, metyrapone could offer a way to manage cortisol levels in people with MACS, potentially reducing related health risks.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early Phase 2 study with only 90 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Metyrapone can cause side effects like nausea or dizziness.
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 90 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Aug 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2031
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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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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: 1. Provide written informed consent. 2. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study. 3. Age ≥ 18 years 4. Diagnosed with MACS i. at least 2 abnormal post-dexamethasone cortisol results1 mg post-dexamethasone cortisol \>1.8 mcg/dL or ii. 8 mg post-dexamethasone cortisol \>1 mcg/dL b. Historical dexamethasone suppression test results can be used if performed within 24 months prior to enrollment. 5. Adrenal imaging phenotype consistent with benign disease (adrenal adenoma/s, macronodular or micronodular adrenal hyperplasia) 6. At least one of the following comorbidities: 1. obesity (BMI\>30 kg/m2) 2. dysglycemia 3. dyslipidemia 4. hypertension 5. osteopenia 6. osteoporosis 7. fragility fractures 7. Ability to take oral medication and be willing to adhere to the study intervention regimen. 8. For persons of childbearing potential: : agreement to remain abstinent (refrain from heterosexual intercourse) or use a contraceptive method with a failure rate of ≤ 5% per year during the treatment period and for 1 month after the last dose of study treatment. 9. Stable timing for bedtime for at least one week prior to on-site study visits. 10. History of difficulty providing blood via standard blood draw methods Exclusion Criteria: 1. Planned alternative therapy for MACS within 12 months after joining the study. 2. Current use of oral exogenous glucocorticoid therapy 3. Current use of opioid therapy \>20 MME/day 4. Planned use of oral exogenous glucocorticoid therapy 5. Planned use of opioid therapy \>20 MME/day 6. Use of injectable glucocorticoid within 6 weeks prior to Day 1 7. Investigator's judgement based on history/physical examination that a comorbidity or concomitant medication may impact the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis or steroid metabolome 8. Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to: * Ongoing or active infection * Symptomatic congestive heart failure * Unstable angina pectoris * Cardiac arrhythmia * Psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements 9. Pregnancy or lactation 10. Known allergic reactions to metyrapone 11. Suspected false positive post-dexamethasone cortisol results due to increased metabolism, poor absorption, or noncompliance with dexamethasone 12. Treatment with another investigational drug or other intervention within lower than specific therapy washout period
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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 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.
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