Corcept Therapeutics’ Phase 4 CATALYST study demonstrated that Korlym® significantly improved blood sugar control in patients with both Cushing’s syndrome and difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes. The study also revealed a higher-than-expected prevalence of Cushing’s syndrome in this patient population, with nearly one in four qualifying patients exhibiting the condition. This research underscores the potential of Korlym as a viable treatment option for a substantial subset of individuals struggling with poorly controlled diabetes.
These findings are crucial for both patients and the medical community. The study highlights the potential for misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment among patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes who may actually be suffering from undiagnosed Cushing’s syndrome. The significant improvement in blood sugar control observed with Korlym suggests that addressing the underlying hormonal imbalance can lead to better outcomes for these individuals. Furthermore, the higher-than-expected prevalence of Cushing’s syndrome in this population necessitates increased awareness and screening among healthcare professionals. This could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, preventing long-term complications associated with both Cushing’s syndrome and uncontrolled diabetes.
In the treatment phase of the CATALYST study, patients receiving Korlym experienced a 1.47% reduction in hemoglobin A1c from baseline, compared to a 0.15% reduction in the placebo group. This placebo-adjusted reduction of 1.32% was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). The safety profile of Korlym remained consistent with its existing label, and no new side effects were reported. The first part of the CATALYST study screened 1,057 patients with difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes and identified 23.8% as having hypercortisolism. 136 of these patients were then randomized into the treatment phase. The CATALYST study findings hold significant implications for the future management of difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes. The results suggest that screening for Cushing’s syndrome should become a standard practice in patients who struggle to control their blood sugar despite optimal therapies. Increased awareness and diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome could lead to more targeted and effective treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the long-term burden of this condition. This may also expand the market for Korlym by identifying a substantial, previously unrecognized patient population that could benefit from this therapy.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
