Corcept presents results from prevalence phase of CATALYST at ADA

Corcept Therapeutics Incorporated announced that results from the prevalence phase of its CATALYST study of hypercortisolism, Cushing’s syndrome, in patients with difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes were presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 84th Scientific Sessions. CATALYST enrolled 1,055 patients across 36 sites in the U.S., making it the largest and most rigorous study ever conducted to assess the prevalence of hypercortisolism in patients with difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes. Of the patients enrolled in CATALYST, 24% were identified as having hypercortisolism. Hypercortisolism was more common in patients with cardiovascular disease, particularly in those who needed multiple medications to manage their hypertension. It was also more common in those taking more medication to manage their diabetes. “Until now, hypercortisolism has been widely regarded as extremely rare. But that turns out not to be true. These results show that hypercortisolism among patients with difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes is much more common than previously assumed and is likely the underlying cause of diabetes in many cases,” said Ralph DeFronzo, MD, chief of the Diabetes Division and professor of medicine at UT Health San Antonio and CATALYST study investigator. “These insights should lead to expanded screening for hypercortisolism, more effective treatment and better health outcomes for patients who are struggling today.”