Steve Bryson, PhD,  science writer—

People with Cushing’s syndrome, a group of conditions that includes Cushing’s disease, have a three-times-higher risk of mortality compared with the general population, according to a pooled analysis of multiple studies. Preventing and managing co-existing conditions, especially cardiovascular disease, in addition to treating Cushing’s, may benefit at least half…

Using a mouse model, scientists have found that the small molecule tubastatin A may be a potential treatment for Cushing’s disease. Tubastatin A was shown to reduce the activity of genes encoding the precursor of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and to lessen the growth of ACTH-producing tumor cells isolated…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Recorlev (levoketoconazole) to treat adults with endogenous Cushing’s syndrome for whom surgery is not an option or has not been effective. The therapy is expected to be available in the U.S. in the coming months. To ensure access to Recorlev,…

Mutations in the KDM1A gene are responsible for the development of a rare, food-dependent form of Cushing’s syndrome, according to a recent study. “In general, rare diseases are generally underdiagnosed in clinics,” Isabelle Bourdeau, MD, the study’s co-author, said in a press release. “By identifying this new gene, we…

CRN04894, a first-in-class, investigational oral medication to treat Cushing’s disease, demonstrated pharmacologic proof-of-concept with a dose-dependent suppression of cortisol, according to data from a Phase 1 study. CRN04894, developed by Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, is designed to block the interaction (antagonist) between the MC2R receptor, found specifically on the…

A type of tumor in the brain’s pituitary gland, which causes Cushing’s disease, has been found to be more invasive, and its presence lowers the likelihood of remission following surgery. According to scientists, these study findings support the need to identify types of pituitary tumors to minimize post-surgical relapse.

Metopirone (metyrapone) safely and successfully maintained lower levels of urinary cortisol over nine months in adults with endogenous Cushing’s syndrome, according to data from the six-month extension of the PROMPT trial.  Treatment with the HRA Pharma Rare Diseases…

The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has approved Isturisa (osilodrostat) to treat people with endogenous Cushing’s syndrome for whom pituitary brain surgery has not been effective or is not an option. Recordati…

Biomarkers in a majority of Cushing’s syndrome patients with surgically induced disease remission showed a high rate of bone turnover and greater bone mineral density one and two years later, a study reports. Before treatment, these patients were found to have greater bone degradation…

A 67-year-old woman developed bone cancer 30 years after receiving radiation therapy to treat Cushing’s disease, according to a case report.  Although the risk of bone cancer after radiation therapy is very low, this case highlights the need for long-term follow-up…