Metyrapone for Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion
Official title: A Phase II, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Metyrapone in Subjects Diagnosed With Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion (MACS)
Run by Mayo Clinic · NCT07138274 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether taking metyrapone by mouth for six months can safely reduce cortisol excess in adults with MACS compared with a placebo.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rochester, Minnesota) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 2031 |
| Study ends | December 2031 |
| Registry record updated | September 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07138274 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18+) with MACS confirmed by abnormal dexamethasone suppression tests and benign adrenal imaging, plus at least one metabolic or skeletal comorbidity.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without cortisol reduction or with intolerable adverse effects may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial at a single center evaluating the safety and effectiveness of overnight metyrapone in adults with Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion. Participants are randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive metyrapone or placebo for six months, with an option after six months to switch to open-label metyrapone or observe for another six months. Remote screening and consent streamline enrollment, and eligibility includes typical MACS criteria, imaging consistent with benign adrenal disease, and at least one metabolic or skeletal comorbidity. The primary aim is to see if metyrapone can meaningfully reduce cortisol excess while maintaining an acceptable safety profile.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced cortisol excess and improved related health measures with a favorable safety profile.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in related cortisol disorders have shown potential benefits with metyrapone, but this MACS-specific approach is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where it's running
-
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Irina Bancos, MD, MS — Mayo Clinic
- Study coordinator: Vanessa Fell, MA
- Email: fell.vanessa@mayo.edu
- Phone: 507-266-6068
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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.