Sparrow Pharmaceuticals Collaborates with the University of Oxford and the University of Sheffield on DC-MACS, a Phase 2 Clinical Study of Clofutriben for Autonomous Cortisol Secretion
Portland, Oregon, December 11, 2024 — Sparrow Pharmaceuticals an emerging, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel, targeted therapies to address unmet needs in both immunology and endocrinology, is collaborating with the University of Oxford and the University of Sheffield on DC-MACS, an investigator led, Phase 2 clinical study in the United Kingdom of clofutriben (SPI-62) for the treatment of autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS). ACS is a prevalent and serious condition caused by the overproduction of cortisol from a benign tumor of the adrenal gland. This study is being conducted with funding from the UK Research and Innovation Medical Research Council. Sparrow is supplying its lead product, clofutriben, and placebo.
The study will be led by two distinguished researchers in the endocrinology field: University of Oxford Prof. Jeremy Tomlinson, PhD, a pioneering HSD-1 researcher who first described a patient with a Cushing’s tumor but no signs or symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome because of HSD-1 deficiency, and University of Sheffield Prof. John Newell-Price, PhD, the current President of the Endocrine Society. Professor Tomlinson is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, and the study will be conducted jointly in the NIHR supported clinical research facilities in both Oxford and Sheffield.
“In partnering with Sparrow for the DC-MACS trial, we hope to pioneer a completely novel intervention for this common, yet serious disease,” said Prof. Jeremy Tomlinson, PhD, University of Oxford. “If successful, this trial could provide patients with ACS with a treatment that could transform their health and quality of life.”
“ACS today usually goes undiagnosed,” commented Prof. John Newell-Price, PhD, University of Sheffield. “This leaves many patients at risk of morbidity from their hypercortisolism, including cardiovascular disease and bone fractures, and even a higher risk of death. Hopefully, we can not only demonstrate a new potential treatment, but also raise awareness of this dangerous disease.”
The objectives of the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study are to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and pharmacological effects of clofutriben, a novel, highly potent, and selective HSD-1 inhibitor, for treating ACS. HSD-1, an intracellular enzyme, activates cortisol in target tissues in which cortisol excess is associated with morbidity including liver, adipose, muscle, and brain. This study will also evaluate endocrine markers such as insulin sensitivity, glucose disposal, and triglycerides during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, nighttime blood pressure, and bone biomarkers (osteocalcin, P1NP, CTX). Forty patients across 2 sites (Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) will take part in the study.
“Clofutriben substantially lowers intracellular cortisol, which can bind intracellular receptors and thereby cause the morbidity associated with ACS,” added David Katz, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of Sparrow. “Clofutriben has potential to be the first targeted therapy for that common, serious, and currently underrecognized disease.”