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Adrenal InsufficiencyPhase 1NCT03343327

A Study of Chronocort® Versus Cortef ® in Healthy Adult Male Subjects

A Phase 1 study testing Chronocort® and Cortef® in people with Adrenal Insufficiency, run by Neurocrine UK Limited at 1 site in United Kingdom.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This was a single centre, open label, randomised, two period, crossover study to evaluate the bioavailability of Chronocort® versus Cortef® immediate release hydrocortisone tablets in dexamethasone-suppressed healthy adult male subjects. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 45 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Adrenal Insufficiency
What is being tested?
Chronocort® and Cortef®
Type of treatment
Pill or oral medicine
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
25 participants
Where
1 siteUnited Kingdom
Study dates
19 Feb 2018to 20 Apr 2018
Phase
Phase 1
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 45 years
  • Men only
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Healthy male subjects between 18 and 45 years of age inclusive (at screening).
  • A BMI of 18-30 kg/m2 (inclusive).
  • No clinically significant abnormal serum biochemistry, haematology or urine examination values as defined by the Investigator.
  • A negative urinary drugs of abuse screen. A positive alcohol test or drugs of abuse test may be repeated at the discretion of the Investigator.
  • Negative HIV and Hepatitis Band C results.
  • No clinically significant abnormalities in 12-lead ECG as defined by the Investigator.
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  • No clinically significant deviation outside the normal ranges for blood pressure and heart rate measurements as defined by the Investigator.
  • Subjects (unless anatomically sterile or where abstaining from sexual intercourse is in line with the preferred and usual lifestyle of the subject) and sexual partners must use 2 effective contraception methods during the trial and for 3 months after the last dose, for example:
  • Oral, injected or implanted hormonal contraceptive+ condom
  • Intra-uterine device (IUD) + condom
  • Diaphragm with spermicide + condom
  • Subjects must be available to complete both periods of the study and the follow-up visit.
  • Subjects must satisfy a medical examiner about their fitness to participate in the study.
  • Subjects must be able to read and understand the informed consent form and must provide written informed consent to participate in the study.

Who cannot join

  • A clinically significant history of gastrointestinal disorder likely to influence drug absorption.
  • Receipt of any medication with the exception of paracetamol within the 14 days prior to dosing (including topical steroids, vitamins, dietary supplements or herbal remedies).
  • Evidence of renal. hepatic, central nervous system, respiratory, cardiovascular or metabolic dysfunction.
  • Receipt of any vaccination within the previous one month.
  • Presence of infections (systemic fungal and viral infections, acute bacterial infections).
  • Current or previous history of tuberculosis.
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  • A clinically significant history of previous allergy/sensitivity to hydrocortisone and/or dexamethasone.
  • Meeting any of the contraindications for Cortef® and/or dexamethasone, as detailed in the United States Prescribing Information (USPI)/Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), respectively
  • A clinically significant history of drug or alcohol abuse.
  • Inability to communicate well with the Investigator (i.e., language problem, poor mental development or impaired cerebral function).
  • Participation in a New Chemical Entity clinical study or a marketed drug clinical study within the previous three months, or five half- lives of the study drug, whichever is the longer period. (NB. the three-month washout period between trials is defined as the period of time elapsed between the last dose of the previous study and the first dose of the next study).
  • Subjects who have consumed more than two units of alcohol per day within seven days prior to the first dose or have consumed any alcohol within the 48-hour period prior to the first dose.
  • Donation or receipt of 450 mL of blood within the previous three months.
  • Subjects who smoke (or ex-smokers who have smoked within six months prior to first dose). This includes e-cigarette and shisha users.
  • Subjects who work shifts (i.e. regularly alternate between days, afternoons and nights).

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United Kingdom1 site
  • Simbec Research Ltd.

    Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 4DR

Other trials in United Kingdom

About this study

Official title: A Single Centre, Open-label, Randomised, Single Dose, Two Period, Crossover Relative Bioavailability Study of Chronocort® Versus Cortef® Immediate Release Hydrocortisone Tablets in Dexamethasone-suppressed Healthy Adult Male Subjects.

This was a single centre, open label, randomised, two period, crossover study to evaluate the bioavailability of Chronocort® versus Cortef® immediate release hydrocortisone tablets in dexamethasone-suppressed healthy adult male subjects.

Read the detailed description

This study was an open-label, randomised, single dose, two-period, crossover study in 25 healthy male subjects.

The study comprised of a pre-study screen, followed by 2 treatment periods (1 and 2) and a post-study followup.

Screening (Day -28 to Day -1): Screening assessments were carried out within 28 days before first administration of IMP. Eligible subjects were asked to return for the treatment periods. Continued eligibility was confirmed pre-dose during each treatment period.

Treatment Periods (Day -1 to Day 1): Eligible subjects received a single-dose of each IMP over 2 treatment periods (1/period as determined by the randomisation schedule), each separated by 7 days washout. Each study period was approximately 2 days in duration, from the afternoon of Day -1 to the morning of Day 1 at 24 hours (h) post-dose. During each treatment period, Subjects arrived at the Clinical Unit on Day -1, IMP was administered on the morning of Day 0 fasted (following an overnight fast of at least 10 h) and subjects were discharged following the 24 h post-dose blood samples and completion of the scheduled measurements.

Pharmacokinetic (PK) samples were collected pre-dose at ~ -2min and up to 23 h post-dose (Day 1) (24 samples) for the measurement of cortisol. A further 3 baseline samples were taken for the measurement of cortisol. Safety was also evaluated throughout the study.

Post Study: After completion of both study periods, the subjects returned 4-22 days later for the final followup visit.

Being tested
Chronocort®, Cortef®
Medical subject headings
Adrenal Insufficiency

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Chronocort®Drug

    Single dose of 20mg Chronocort® administered in one treatment period

  • Cortef®Drug

    Single dose of 20mg Cortef® administered in one treatment period

Study groups in NCT03343327
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Chronocort®, then Cortef®ExperimentalSingle dose of 20mg Chronocort® (oral administration), followed by a single dose of 20mg Cortef® Immediate Release Hydrocortisone Tablets (oral administration).
Receives: Drug: Chronocort®; Drug: Cortef®
Cortef®, then Chronocort®Active comparatorSingle dose of 20mg Cortef® Immediate Release Hydrocortisone Tablets (oral administration), followed by a single dose of 20mg Chronocort® (oral administration).
Receives: Drug: Chronocort®; Drug: Cortef®

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Area under the concentration time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0-inf) of Chronocort® to Cortef® based on baseline adjusted and unadjusted serum cortisol concentration calculated for each sampling time point.

    Comparing the area under the concentration time curve of Chronocort® compared to Cortef® immediate release hydrocortisone tablets.

    Measured: Samples taken at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 hours (morning of Day 1) in both periods.

Secondary outcomes (11)
  1. Pharmacokinetic parameters for serum cortisol + relative bioavailability - Cmax

    The following PK endpoint was derived from baseline adjusted and unadjusted serum cortisol concentration-time data following administration of each IMP.

    ◦ Cmax Maximum plasma cortisol concentration.

    Measured: Samples taken at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 hours (morning of Day 1) in both periods.

  2. Pharmacokinetic parameters for serum cortisol + relative bioavailability - Tmax

    The following PK endpoint was derived from baseline adjusted and unadjusted serum cortisol concentration-time data following administration of each IMP.

    ◦ Tmax The time to maximum observed cortisol concentration sampled during a dosing interval.

    Measured: Samples taken at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 hours (morning of Day 1) in both periods.

  3. Pharmacokinetic parameters for serum cortisol + relative bioavailability - Kel

    The following PK endpoint was derived from baseline adjusted and unadjusted serum cortisol concentration-time data following administration of each IMP.

    ◦ kel Elimination rate constant.

    Measured: Samples taken at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 hours (morning of Day 1) in both periods.

  4. Pharmacokinetic parameters for serum cortisol + relative bioavailability - t1/2

    The following PK endpoint was derived from baseline adjusted and unadjusted serum cortisol concentration-time data following administration of each IMP.

    ◦ t1/2 Terminal half-life.

    Measured: Samples taken at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 hours (morning of Day 1) in both periods.

  5. Pharmacokinetic parameters for serum cortisol + relative bioavailability - AUC0-t

    The following PK endpoint was derived from baseline adjusted and unadjusted serum cortisol concentration-time data following administration of each IMP.

    ◦ AUC0-t Area under the plasma cortisol concentration-time curve (AUC) from the time of dosing to the time of the last observed concentration.

    Measured: Samples taken at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 hours (morning of Day 1) in both periods.

  6. Pharmacokinetic parameters for serum cortisol - Serum cortisol clearance (CL/F)

    Calculated as Dose / AUC0-inf. This PK endpoint was derived from baseline adjusted and unadjusted serum cortisol concentration-time data following administration of each IMP.

    Measured: Samples taken at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 hours (morning of Day 1) in both periods.

  7. Pharmacokinetic parameters for serum cortisol - Distribution during terminal elimination (Vz/F)

    Volume of distribution based on the terminal elimination phase following extravascular administration derived from baseline adjusted and unadjusted serum cortisol

    Measured: Samples taken at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 hours (morning of Day 1) in both periods.

  8. Observed changes in Safety Laboratory Data

    Observed changes in Safety Laboratory data (biochemistry, haematology \& urinalysis) during the course of the study, with any out of normal range values flagged.

    Measured: Screening, Pre-dose and 10h and 24h post-dose during both treatment periods; Follow up

  9. Observed changes in Vital Signs

    Observed changes in vital signs data (blood pressure, pulse rate and oral temperature) during the course of the study, with any out of normal range values flagged.

    Measured: Screening; Pre-dose and at 4 and 10h post-dose during both treatment periods; Follow up

  10. Observed changes in Electrocardiogram (ECG) data during the course of the study

    12-Lead ECG parameters (Heart Rate, PR interval, QRS width, QT interval, and QT interval corrected using Bazett's formula (QTcB)) and investigator clinical interpretation was listed with any out of normal range values flagged.

    Measured: Screening, Pre-dose and 10h post-dose during both treatment periods; Follow up

  11. Adverse Events

    Adverse events (AEs) observed throughout the study

    Measured: Through study completion - approximately 6 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted17 Nov 2017
  2. Study start19 Feb 2018
  3. Primary completion20 Apr 2018
  4. Study completion20 Apr 2018

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 1
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Crossover
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
25 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT03343327
Sponsor's protocol ID
DIUR-008
Status last verified
Sep 2026
First submitted
31 Oct 2017
Last updated
14 Sep 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 1 study testing Chronocort® and Cortef® in people with Adrenal Insufficiency, run by Neurocrine UK Limited at 1 site in United Kingdom.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 14 inclusion and 15 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United Kingdom. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 1 studies test a treatment in a small group of people for the first time or in a new way, mainly to check safety and find the right dose.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Area under the concentration time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0-inf) of Chronocort® to Cortef® based on baseline adjusted and unadjusted serum cortisol concentration calculated for each sampling time point. (time frame: Samples taken at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 hours (morning of Day 1) in both periods.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 14 Sep 2026.

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