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Chronocort

Phase 3

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia | Small molecule | Endocrine |Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.|Last Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Success Probability

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Market & Valuation

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Trial Design

RandomizedDouble-BlindCONTROLLEDDMC
Total Trials5
Total Enrollment303

FDA Designations

No designations recorded

Clinical trial landscape

Chronocort · 8 trials · 5 indications

Phase 3 3Phase 2 1Phase 1 4
NCT05063994Comparison of Chronocort Versus Standard Hydrocortisone Replacement Therapy in Participants Aged 16 Years and Over With Congenital Adrenal HyperplasiaCongenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
COMPLETED55 Analytics
NCT05299554Long-term Safety Study of Chronocort in the Treatment of Participants With Congenital Adrenal HyperplasiaCongenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
COMPLETED76 Analytics
NCT02716818Comparison of Chronocort® With Standard Glucocorticoid Therapy in Patients With Congenital Adrenal HyperplasiaCongenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
COMPLETED122 Analytics
PHASE3COMPLETED
Comparison of Chronocort Versus Standard Hydrocortisone Replacement Therapy in Participants Aged 16 Years and Over With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Congenital Adrenal HyperplasiaUnlock trial analytics
PHASE3COMPLETED
Long-term Safety Study of Chronocort in the Treatment of Participants With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Congenital Adrenal HyperplasiaUnlock trial analytics
PHASE3COMPLETED
Comparison of Chronocort® With Standard Glucocorticoid Therapy in Patients With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Congenital Adrenal HyperplasiaUnlock trial analytics

Study Endpoints

Primary Endpoints

Percentage of Participants Who Were Biochemical Responders at Week 28
Week 28

Biochemical response was defined as a participant who a) was in biochemical control at the 08:00 assessment and b) was receiving a total daily dose of hydrocortisone of not more than 25 mg if the participant was in biochemical control at baseline or not more than 30 mg if the participant was not in biochemical control at baseline. Biochemical control was defined as both a 17-OHP concentration equal to or below the upper limit for optimal control (1200 ng/dL \[36.4 nmol/L\]) and an A4 concentration equal to or below the upper limit of the reference range (150 ng/dL \[5.2 nmol/L\] for men and 200 ng/dL \[7.0 nmol/L\] for women). Assessment of efficacy at Week 28 was a composite of each participant's on-treatment visit closest in time to 28 weeks post randomization.

Signs and symptoms of over-treatment [Safety and Tolerability] throughout the study.
Up to 32 months

Over-replacement normally presents with chronic effects such as weight gain, increased appetite, sleeping difficulties, increased acne and Cushingoid syndrome.

Signs and symptoms of under-treatment [Safety and Tolerability] throughout the study.
Up to 32 months.

Under-replacement normally presents with acute effects such as sudden weight loss, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, light-headedness and syncope.

To measure signs or symptoms of under treatment [Safety and Tolerability] in terms of use of additional glucocorticoid treatment throughout the study.
Up to 32 months

Use of Immediate Release Hydrocortisone (IRHC) from the emergency packs for stress dosing or use of any additional glucocorticoid treatment.

To measure signs or symptoms of under treatment [Safety and Tolerability] in terms of incidence of adrenal crises throughout the study.
Up to 32 months

Occurrence of adrenal crises throughout the study.

To measure the incidence of Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events [Safety and Tolerability].
Up to 32 months

The incidence, nature, severity, relatedness, duration, outcome, seriousness, and expectedness of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) throughout the study.

To measure the change from pre-Chronocort baseline in terms of hematology safety laboratory assessments [Safety and Tolerability].
Up to 32 months

Lab parameters will be summarized and compared throughout the study as follows: Platelet count, Red blood cell count (RBC), Haemoglobin, Haematocrit, RBC Indices: Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Mean cell haemoglobin (MCH). Mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), Red cell distribution width (RDW). White blood cell (WBC) count with differential (absolute and %): Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, Basophils.

To measure the change from pre-Chronocort baseline in terms of clinical chemistry safety laboratory assessments [Safety and Tolerability].
Up to 32 months

To measure the change from pre-Chronocort baseline in terms of clinical chemistry safety laboratory assessments \[Safety and Tolerability\]. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine, Chloride, Total magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Total carbon dioxide (CO2), Inorganic phosphorus, AST/serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), ALT/serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), Alkaline phosphatase, Albumin, Total and direct bilirubin, Total protein, Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Total creatine kinase (CK), Uric acid.

To measure the change from pre-Chronocort baseline in terms of vital signs assessments.
Up to 32 months

Blood pressure measurements throughout the study will be summarised and compared.

Change From Baseline to 24 Weeks of the Mean of the 24-hour Standard Deviation Score (SDS) Profile for 17-OHP
24 weeks

Change from baseline to 24 weeks of the mean of the 24-hour standard deviation score (SDS) - also referred to as a z-score - profile for 17-OHP (17-Hydroxyprogesterone). The primary efficacy variable was the natural logarithm of the mean of the 24-hour SDS for the natural logarithm of 17-OHP. The mean of the 24-hour SDS profile for each visit was the arithmetic mean of all the SDSs with the first and last (13th) weighted one half relative to the intermediate SDSs. For each of the 13 log-transformed 17-OHP values at each visit, an SDS was calculated by counting the number of SDs that were above or below the mean of the log-transformed range. A negative z-score indicated greater control of 17-OHP when compared to baseline (0).

To measure the change in morning serum cortisol levels from baseline, after 4 weeks treatment with Chronocort compared with 4 weeks treatment with Plenadren (crossover study).
Baseline and end of each 4 week treatment period.

The primary efficacy outcome variable is the 07:00 hour serum cortisol level after 4 weeks of treatment. The treatment effect (Chronocort minus Plenadren, after logarithmic transformation) will be estimated in the efficacy evaluable analysis set (EEAS) (defined as participants with morning serum cortisol assessed at baseline and after each treatment period, with no major protocol violations) using a linear mixed model.

Area under the concentration time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0-inf) of Chronocort® to Cortef® based on baseline adjusted and unadjusted serum cortisol concentration calculated for each sampling time point.
Samples taken at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 hours (morning of Day 1) in both periods.

Comparing the area under the concentration time curve of Chronocort® compared to Cortef® immediate release hydrocortisone tablets.

To compare the Tmax of six formulations of Chronocort® (30 mg, dosed at night) over an 18 hour period. Parts A1 & A2 only
18 hours

Time at maximum concentration in serum

To compare the Cmax of six formulations of Chronocort® (30 mg, dosed at night) over an 18 hour period. Parts A1 & A2 only
18 hours

Maximum serum concentration

To compare the AUC0-t of six formulations of Chronocort® (30 mg, dosed at night) over an 18 hour period.
18 hours

Area under the plasma concentration-time curve

To compare the AUC0-∞ of six formulations of Chronocort® (30 mg, dosed at night) over an 18 hour period.
18 hours

Area under the plasma concentration-time curve from zero (0) hours to infinity (∞)

To compare the CL of six formulations of Chronocort® (30 mg, dosed at night) over an 18 hour period.
18 hours

Drug clearance (CL) is defined as the volume of plasma in the vascular compartment cleared of drug per unit time

Derived pharmacokinetic parameter: Tmax
24 hours

Tmax measures the time at which Cmax - maximum serum concentration - is observed

Derived pharmacokinetic parameter: Tlag
24 hours

Tlag measures the delay between dosing and being able to observe the drug/metabolite within the sampling area (e.g., blood serum)

Derived pharmacokinetic parameter: Cmax
24 hours

Cmax measures the time taken for the drug/metabolite to reach maximum serum concentration

Derived pharmacokinetic parameter: AUC(0 - t) (Area under the curve)
24 hours

Area under the serum concentration versus time curve from time

Derived pharmacokinetic parameter: AUC(0-∞)(Area under the curve)
24 hours

Area under the serum concentration versus time curve from time = 0h extrapolated to infinity

Derived pharmacokinetic parameter: CL
24 hours

Time to drug clearance

Derived pharmacokinetic parameter: T1/2
24 hours

Time required to reach 1/2 Cmax

Chronocort vs. Cortef Cortisol Concentrations (AUC Over 24 Hours - Time Points 0,.5,1,1.5,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,10.5,11, 11.5,12,13,15,17,17.5,18,18.5,19,20,22,24 Post Dose).
Cortef after one week, Chronocort after one month

Secondary Endpoints

Percentage of Participants Who Were Dose Responders at Week 28
Week 28
Total Daily Dose of Hydrocortisone at Week 28
Week 28
Number of Participants in Biochemical Control
Baseline and Week 28
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Study Design & Arms

AllocationRANDOMIZED
MaskingQUADRUPLE
ModelPARALLEL
PurposeTREATMENT

Treatment Arms

ArmTypeDescription
ChronocortEXPERIMENTALParticipants received Chronocort at a starting dose of 30 milligrams (mg), with dose adjustments down to 25, 20, or 15 mg based on adrenal insufficiency symptoms and androgen levels. Placebo was used for dose adjustment to maintain blinding.
CortefACTIVE_COMPARATORParticipants received Cortef at a starting dose of 30 mg, with dose adjustments down to 25, 20, or 15 mg based on adrenal insufficiency symptoms and androgen levels. Placebo was used for dose adjustment to maintain blinding.
Chronocort (hydrocortisone modified-release capsule)EXPERIMENTALChronocort (hydrocortisone modified-release capsules) supplied as 5 mg and 10 mg per capsule for oral administration.
Chronocort®EXPERIMENTALChronocort® will be provided as 5mg, 10mg and 20mg capsules for oral administration. The starting dose for each subject will be based on the subjects previous glucocorticoid therapy dose and then dose titrated to effect.
standard glucocorticoid therapyACTIVE_COMPARATORSubjects in this arm will continue previous oral glucocorticoid therapy titrated to effect.
PlenadrenACTIVE_COMPARATORPlenadren (hydrocortisone modified-release tablet) supplied as 5 mg and 20 mg strengths and administered orally. Plenadren 25 mg will be taken on waking (typically between 06:00 and 08:00 hours).
Chronocort®, then Cortef®EXPERIMENTALSingle dose of 20mg Chronocort® (oral administration), followed by a single dose of 20mg Cortef® Immediate Release Hydrocortisone Tablets (oral administration).
Cortef®, then Chronocort®ACTIVE_COMPARATORSingle dose of 20mg Cortef® Immediate Release Hydrocortisone Tablets (oral administration), followed by a single dose of 20mg Chronocort® (oral administration).
Part A1EXPERIMENTALThree formulations of Chronocort 30mg were administered to healthy volunteers, with a 7-day washout period between each dose. Each treatment was administered in a randomised, crossover manner.
Part A2EXPERIMENTALThree additional formulations of Chronocort 30mg were administered to healthy volunteers, with a 7-day washout period between each dose. Each treatment was administered in a randomised, crossover manner.
Part BEXPERIMENTALThe best formulation of Chronocort was then selected from Parts A1 \& A2. This was then administered in four separate treatment periods, in dosages of 5mg, 10mg, 20mg and 30mg. Each treatment was administered in a randomised, crossover manner.
Group 1EXPERIMENTALVolunteers in group 1 received the following interventions: Chronocort® 30 mg given at night (\~ 23:00h) as a combination of one 10mg capsule and one 20mg capsule (n=18). Chronocort® 30mg given as one 20mg capsule at night (\~ 23:00h) and as one 10mg capsule in the morning (\~ 7:00h) following the initial night-time dose (n=18). Hydrocortisone 30mg given at night (\~ 23:00h) given as three 10mg tablets (n=18). Each administration of IMP was separated by a washout period of at least 7 days.
Group 2EXPERIMENTALVolunteers in group 2 received the following interventions: Chronocort® 5mg given at night (\~ 23:00h) as one 5mg capsule (n=12). Chronocort® 10mg given at night (\~ 23:00h) as one 10mg capsule (n=12). Chronocort® 20mg given at night (\~ 23:00h) as one 20mg capsule (n=12). Each administration of IMP was separated by a washout period of at least 7 days.
Cortef and ChronocortEXPERIMENTALCortef 3 times daily(total dose 30 mg)for minimum of 7 days followed by Chronocort 30 mg once daily nigh time dose for 28 +/- 3 days duration

Interventions

NameTypeDescription
ChronocortDRUGOver-encapsulated hydrocortisone modified-release capsule for oral administration.
CortefDRUGOver-encapsulated hydrocortisone immediate-release tablet for oral administration.
PlaceboOTHERMatching placebo
Chronocort®DRUGChronocort® is a patented oral modified release formulation of hydrocortisone which is intended to mimic, or closely match, the serum levels of endogenous cortisol.
standard glucocorticoid therapyDRUGSubjects in this arm will continue on their standard hydrocortisone therapy
PlenadrenDRUGHydrocortisone modified-release tablets for oral administration - 5mg and 20mg
Cortef®DRUGSingle dose of 20mg Cortef® administered in one treatment period
HydrocortisoneDRUGGeneric hydrocortisone
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Eligibility Criteria

Age Range16 Years to N/A
SexALL
Healthy VolunteersNo
Study Sites21

Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female participants must be aged 16 years or older at the time of signing the informed consent/assent. * In participants aged \<18 years, height velocity must be less than 2 cm/year in the last year and puberty must be completed (Tanner stage V). * Participants with kn...

Countries:United StatesFranceJapanGermanyUnited Kingdom
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Frequently asked questions about Chronocort

What is Chronocort used for?

Chronocort is an investigational small molecule being developed for adrenal insufficiency, primary adrenal insufficiency, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. It is a modified-release formulation of hydrocortisone intended as a replacement therapy for these endocrine conditions. Chronocort is still in clinical development and is not approved by the FDA.

Who makes Chronocort?

Chronocort is being developed by Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company traded on NASDAQ under the ticker NBIX. The company is conducting clinical trials to evaluate Chronocort as a treatment for adrenal insufficiency and related conditions.

What phase is Chronocort in?

Chronocort is in Phase 1 clinical development. It has completed five clinical trials, including Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies, with a total enrollment of 303 participants. Chronocort remains investigational and has not received FDA approval.

What clinical trials is Chronocort in?

Chronocort has completed several clinical trials, including NCT03019614, a Phase 1 study comparing Chronocort to hydrocortisone in healthy volunteers with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal insufficiency. Other completed trials include NCT03051893, NCT03343327, and NCT05222152, which evaluated Chronocort in healthy subjects and adults with adrenal insufficiency.

Is Chronocort the same as hydrocortisone?

Chronocort is a modified-release formulation of hydrocortisone, designed to provide a different pharmacokinetic profile. Clinical trials have compared Chronocort directly to hydrocortisone products such as Cortef and Plenadren to assess its absorption and effects in healthy volunteers and patients with adrenal insufficiency.