Phase 3b Open‑Label Study of Crinecerfont (NBI‑74788) for Androgen Reduction in Adults with Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
- Trial ID
- 2025-524282-24-00
- Protocol
- NBI-74788-CAH3033
- Sponsor
- Neurocrine Biosciences Inc.
Trial statistics
Diseases & Conditions
Objectives
The primary objective is to assess the impact of oral crinecerfont on serum androstenedione concentrations in adults with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia who have been maintained on a stable glucocorticoid regimen for at least six months. Reduction of this androgen precursor is intended to improve disease control and mitigate excess androgen‑related complications.
Participants
The trial enrolled 29 adults diagnosed with Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. Both male and female participants were included; females were limited to 45 years of age or younger, while all participants were at least 18 years old. All subjects had a medically confirmed diagnosis of classic 21‑hydroxylase deficiency based on elevated 17‑OHP, CYP21A2 genotype, newborn screening, or cosyntropin stimulation testing. Participants were required to be on a stable glucocorticoid regimen for at least one month, using oral hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, or methylprednisolone with a morning dose. Those receiving fludrocortisone needed a stable dose and normal plasma renin activity, blood pressure, and electrolytes. Female participants of childbearing potential had to use effective contraception throughout the study. General health status required stable hormone levels, no orthostatic hypotension, and normal serum sodium and potassium. The population was selected through screening that confirmed the diagnostic criteria and medication stability, ensuring participants were otherwise healthy enough to meet study requirements.
Plans and Procedures
The study is a Phase 3b open-label trial evaluating the effect of oral crinecerfont capsules on adrenal androgen excess in adults with Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) who are on a stable glucocorticoid regimen. Eligible participants (≥18 years, female ≤45 years, confirmed 21‑hydroxylase deficiency, stable glucocorticoid dose ≥1 month) undergo a screening visit to obtain informed consent, confirm diagnosis, and measure baseline pre‑glucocorticoid serum androstenedione. After eligibility confirmation, the baseline visit initiates study treatment, followed by scheduled follow‑up visits at Weeks 4, 12, and 24 to assess safety, adherence, and hormone levels; the Week 24 visit includes the primary efficacy assessment (change from baseline in pre‑GC androstenedione). The end‑of‑study visit concludes the trial after approximately 24 weeks of participant involvement. Early termination may occur per protocol (e.g., withdrawal of consent or unacceptable safety).
Treatment
The investigational product, identified as NBI-74788, contains the active substance crinecerfont and is supplied as an oral capsule. Each capsule is formulated to deliver a dose of 00 mg and is administered by mouth; the specific dosing frequency is defined in the study protocol.
Participants in this open‑label Phase 3b study continue their established glucocorticoid regimen at a stable dose for at least six months, serving as the background standard‑of‑care therapy. No placebo or additional comparator treatment is employed. Drug administration is performed under direct supervision, and adherence is monitored in accordance with protocol‑specified procedures.
Efficacy
Efficacy will be assessed by determining the change from baseline in pre‑glucocorticoid serum androstenedione levels at Week 24. The primary endpoint focuses on the reduction of this androgen marker in adults with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia who are receiving a stable glucocorticoid regimen.
Serum samples will be collected prior to glucocorticoid dosing at screening (baseline) and at the Week 24 visit. The difference between the baseline value and the Week 24 value will be calculated for each participant, and the mean change across the study population will be analyzed to evaluate the effect of crinecerfont.
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- Completed informed consent.
- All participants must be ≥18 years of age . Female participants must also be ≤45 years of age.
- CCI. Female participants must have AMH ≥1 ng/mL and FSH <25 mIU/mL at screening.
- Have a medically confirmed diagnosis of classic 21-OHD CAH based on standard medically accepted criteria such as elevated 17-OHP level, confirmed CYP21A2 genotype, positive newborn screening with confirmatory second-tier testing, or cosyntropin stimulation
- Have androstenedione CCI (prior to morning GC dose) at screening
- Be on a GC dose regimen CCI HCe that has been stable for at least 1 month prior to screening; consists of 1 or more of the following orally administered GCs: hydrocortisone (including modified- or sustained-release hydrocortisone), prednisone, prednisolone, or methylprednisolone; and includes a morning dose of GC
- If treated with fludrocortisone, dose should be stable for at least 1 month prior to screening with an upright PRA during screening that is not greater than ULN on the participant’s usual sodium intake. If PRA is >ULN, the participant must have systolic blood pressure >100 mmHg, without orthostatic hypotension, and with serum sodium and potassium in the normal range.
- Participants with ovaries of childbearing potential must agree to use contraception consistently from screening until 30 days after the last dose of study treatment or final study visit, whichever is longer. Acceptable methods of contraception are required for participants with ovaries: • Bilateral salpingectomy or bilateral tubal occlusion • Intrauterine device or intrauterine hormone-releasing system. • Combined (estrogen and progestogen containing) hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation, which may be oral, intravaginal, or transdermal, initiated at least 3 months prior to screening. • Progestogen-only hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation, which may be oral, injected, or implanted initiated at least 3 months prior to screening. • Total abstinence from sexual intercourse (periodic abstinence is not acceptable). • Sexual partner(s) who had been vasectomized at least 3 months prior to screening with successful procedure. • Progesterone only where inhibition of ovulation is not the primary mode of action. • Male or female condom with or without spermicide. • Cap, diaphragm or sponge with spermicide.
- CCI
- CCI
Exclusion Criteria
- Pregnant (ie, positive pregnancy test at screening or Day 1) or lactating, or plans to become pregnant during the study
- Have a known or suspected diagnosis of any of the other forms of classic CAH including 11-β-hydroxylase deficiency, 17-α-hydroxylase deficiency, 3-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency, P450 side-chain cleavage deficiency, or P450 oxidoreductase deficiency.
- Have a history of bilateral adrenalectomy, hypopituitarism, or other condition requiring chronic therapy with oral GCs, or requiring chronic therapy with inhaled GCs that based on dose and hormone profile the investigator deems would yield significant systemic exposure interfering with study endpoints
- Have received dexamethasone for chronic use in the 6 months before screening.
- At increased risk of developing adrenal crisis in the investigator’s opinion, based on, for example, repeated history of adrenal crisis in the past, prior history of adrenal crisis precipitated by reducing GC dose, recent episode(s), etc.
- CCI
- Have a clinically significant medical condition or chronic disease (including history of neurological, hepatic, renal, cardiovascular, GI, significant malabsorption, hematologic, pulmonary, psychiatric, or endocrine disease [excluding CAH]) that in the opinion of the investigator would preclude the participant from participating in and completing the study or that could confound interpretation of study outcomes
- History of malignancy, unless successfully treated with curative intent and considered to be cured.
- Known sensitivity (ie, hypersensitivity) or allergy to any corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) receptor antagonist or to any component of the study treatment
- CCI
- CCI
- Have had hysterectomy or oophorectomy.
- Have evidence of chronic renal or liver disease based on any of these screening laboratory test abnormalities: • eGFRCr (CKD-EPI, 2021) <45ml/min per 1.73 m2. • AST >3 × ULN. • ALT >3 × ULN. • Total bilirubin >1.5 × ULN unless due to a documented diagnosis of Gilbert's syndrome.
- Have absolute neutrophil count <1.0 × 103/mm3at screening.
- Used any active investigational drug in the context of a clinical trial within 30 days or 5 half-lives (whichever is longer) before screening or plans to use such an investigational drug (other than the study drug) during the study.
- Have previously received a CRF1 antagonist, including crinecerfont, within 1 year before screening.
- Using any prohibited concomitant medication and cannot discontinue use of these medications for the duration of the study.
- Have current substance dependence or substance or alcohol abuse (drugs including controlled substance or non-prescribed use of prescription drugs; nicotine and caffeine dependence are not exclusionary).
- CCI
- Have a significant risk of suicidal or violent behavior. Participants with any suicidal ideation of type 4 (active suicidal ideation with some intent to act, without specific plan) or type 5 (active suicidal ideation with specific plan and intent) in the past 6 months before screening or any history of suicidal behavior within the past year based on the C-SSRS should be excluded.
- Have had a blood loss ≥550 mL or donated blood or blood products within 8 weeks before Day 1.
- In the investigator’s opinion, the participant is not capable of adhering to the protocol requirements
Trial Status by Country
| Country | Status | Start of Recruitment | Planned Patients |
|---|---|---|---|
Austria | Not Yet Recruiting | 14 Aug 2026 | 4 |
Bulgaria | Not Yet Recruiting | 14 Aug 2026 | 2 |
Czechia | Not Yet Recruiting | 14 Aug 2026 | 4 |
Germany | Not Yet Recruiting | 14 Aug 2026 | 4 |
Italy | Not Yet Recruiting | 14 Aug 2026 | 35 |
Portugal | Not Yet Recruiting | 14 Aug 2026 | 2 |
Romania | Not Yet Recruiting | 14 Aug 2026 | 10 |
Spain | Not Yet Recruiting | 14 Aug 2026 | 8 |
Sweden | Not Yet Recruiting | 14 Aug 2026 | 2 |
Sites & Investigators
Investigational Products
Details about the medicinal products being studied in this clinical trial.
| Product Name | Role in Trial | Formulation | Administration | Max Daily Dose | Treatment Duration | EU MP Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NBI-74788 | Test | CAPSULE | ORAL USE | 00 | 1 | PRD7876236 |









