Ketoconazole's effect on the daily cortisol rhythm in MACS
Official title: Ketoconazole Effects on Cortisol Circadian Rhythm in Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion: A Pilot Study
Run by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT07649317 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The study tests whether a single 400 mg dose of ketoconazole can modify the daily cortisol rhythm in adults with Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion (MACS) compared with healthy volunteers.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH |
| Locations | 1 site (Bethesda, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 27, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 31, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07649317 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 years and older with MACS and healthy volunteers.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants with MACS who do not show a cortisol response to ketoconazole or experience adverse effects may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This Phase 1 study compares the circadian pattern of serum cortisol in MACS patients to that of healthy volunteers. After a baseline 24-hour sampling period, MACS participants receive a single dose of ketoconazole and are re-sampled to see if the drug lowers cortisol and normalizes the diurnal pattern. The trial collects serum, urine, saliva, and cortisol precursors to explore how ketoconazole affects steroidogenesis and enzyme activity. Primary endpoints focus on differences in cortisol levels at specified times, with secondary and exploratory aims examining the extent and timing of cortisol reduction and related biomarkers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the drug could help normalize cortisol rhythms in MACS, potentially reducing associated risks such as hypertension and metabolic issues.
How similar studies have gone: Past studies in similar contexts have explored ketoconazole’s effects on cortisol and steroidogenesis, but this exact circadian-rhythm, MACS-focused approach is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:
To be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
1. Aged 18 years or older.
2. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study.
3. Agreement to adhere to Lifestyle Considerations throughout the study.
A. Subjects with Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion (MACS):
1. Co-enrollment in protocol 19DK0066.
2. Abnormal low-dose overnight dexamethasone suppression test (morning serum cortisol \>1.8 mcg/dL following 1 mg oral dexamethasone between 2300-0000h the evening prior)
3. One or more \>=1 cm adrenal nodule(s) on one or both adrenal glands on CT or MRI
4. One normal 24-hour urine free cortisol value (per the reference range of the assay used).
5. One morning plasma ACTH value \<10 pg/mL.
B. Healthy volunteers:
1. In good general health as evidenced by medical history and physical examination; and in a stable state of health without ongoing acute/temporary illness per the clinical judgment of the investigator.
2. Normal low-dose overnight dexamethasone suppression test (morning serum cortisol \<=1.8 mcg/dL following 1 mg oral dexamethasone between 2300-0000h the evening prior)
3. Matching a participant with MACS who has completed testing in regard to:
* Age: Birth year within 5 years of that of the participant with MACS.
* Sex
* BMI (kg/m2) category: \<18.5 (underweight); 18.5-24.9 (normal weight); 25-29.9 (overweight); 30-34.9 (obesity class 1); 35-39.9 (obesity class 2); \>=40 (obesity class 3).
* For women: menopausal status as judged by absence of menses for one year and FSH\>15 mIU/mL.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
1. Inability to comply with all study procedures and visits.
2. Inability of subject to understand or to sign a written informed consent document.
3. Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
4. Use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives or oral estrogen therapy within 6 weeks before inpatient admission, due to possible increases in serum corticosteroid-binding globulin, and thereby total cortisol.
5. Use of medications within 2 weeks before inpatient admission that can block glucocorticoid production or action: ketoconazole (systemic), levoketoconazole, metyrapone, osilodrostat, mifepristone.
6. Use of oral, injectable, or inhaled glucocorticoids (unless intermittent, for symptomatic asthma) within the year before inpatient admission. Use of topical non-hydrocortisone containing potent glucocorticoids on more than 36 square inches within six months before inpatient admission.
7. Anemia (hemoglobin \<13.7 g/dL for males, \<11.2 g/dL for females).
8. Daily alcohol risk use (\>2 standard drinks per day by self-report during screening visit).
9. Severely uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (HbA1c \>9.0%).
10. Highly irregular sleep schedule in the week leading up to inpatient admission (e.g. shift work).
11. Any contraindication to intravenous catheter use.
12. Previous participation in this protocol.
13. Any condition that in the opinion of the Investigator would jeopardize the participant s appropriate participation in this study.
14. Any hematology or chemistry screening laboratory value drawn at screening that the Investigator deems clinically significant for exclusion.
A. Subjects with Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion (MACS):
1. Evidence of hyperaldosteronism, which must have been ruled out with serum aldosterone and plasma renin activity measurements if the participant has a history of hypertension or hypokalemia, per standard clinical care.
2. Evidence of pheochromocytoma, which must have been ruled out with plasma or 24-hour urine metanephrines if an unenhanced adrenal nodule is \>10 HU, per standard clinical care.
3. Known allergy or hypersensitivity to ketoconazole.
4. Significant liver disease or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and/or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) \>3xULN, and/or total bilirubin \>1.5xULN during Screening.
5. Prolonged QTc interval (\>500 msec) on screening ECG.
6. Use of medications in the 2 weeks before inpatient admission that can:
* Prolong QT when combined with ketoconazole (KTZ):
\-- dofetilide, quinidine, pimozide, cisapride, methadone, disopyramide, dronedarone, ranolazine.
* Cause toxicity from increased concentration due to KTZ-induced CYP3A4 inhibition:
--methadone, disopyramide, dronedarone, ergot alkaloids such as dihydroergotamine, ergometrine, ergotamine, methylergometrine, irinotecan, lurasidone, oral midazolam, alprazolam, triazolam, felodipine, nisoldipine, ranolazine, tolvaptan, eplerenone, lovastatin, simvastatin and colchicine.
* Inhibit CYP3A4 and increase KTZ bioavailability:
\-- ritonavir, darunavir, fosamprenavir.
* Induce CYP3A4 and decrease KTZ bioavailability:
* Isoniazid, rifabutin, rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, efavirenz, nevirapine.
7. Inability to pause, for 24 hours, use of medication that reduces KTZ absorption: proton pump inhibitors (dexlansoprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole) and H2 antagonists (cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine).
Inability to pause, for 3 hours, use of short-acting acid neutralizers that reduce KTZ absorption, e.g. aluminum hydroxide (acceptable if taken \>=1 hour before or \>=2 hours after KTZ).
Where it's running
-
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lynnette K Nieman, M.D. — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
- Study coordinator: Raven N McGlotten, R.N.
- Email: mcglottenr@mail.nih.gov
- Phone: (301) 827-0190
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Low-dose (1 mg) osilodrostat for mild autonomous cortisol secretion
This trial will test whether taking 1 mg of osilodrostat daily is safe and can lower cortisol measures in adults with mild autonomous cortisol secretion.
-
Adrenal Diseases in Modena: A Patient Registry at Modena University Hospital
This study collects medical histories and treatment data from patients with adrenal diseases to see how they are diagnosed and managed in Modena.
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Tirzepatide after adrenalectomy for MACS
This study tests whether adding tirzepatide after adrenalectomy helps control blood pressure and improve metabolic health in adults with mild autonomous cortisol secretion.
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Adrenalectomy versus semaglutide for metabolic health in mild autonomous cortisol secretion
We are testing whether removing the adrenal gland or treating with semaglutide better improves insulin resistance and other metabolic measures in adults with mild autonomous cortisol secretion, and comparing semaglutide effects to matched adults without adrenal tumors.
-
Metyrapone versus osilodrostat for metabolic autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS)
This trial will test whether metyrapone or osilodrostat better lowers cortisol and improves health in adults with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) who are not having surgery.
-
Isturisa treatment for people with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS)
This trial will test whether Isturisa (osilodrostat) helps adults with MACS improve metabolic measures, blood pressure, weight, bone density, and quality of life.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.