Falhammar, Henrik

Abstract Disclosure: S.R. Chacko: None. C.A. Villavicencio Torres: None. K. Yu: None. S.G. Waguespack: None. L. Lu: None. Z. Belaya: None. T. Bandgar: None. A. Sada: None. O. Ragnarsson: None. B. Altieri: None. A. Newman: None. P. Vibhatavata: None. M. Tóth: None. E.V. Varlamov: None. C. Badiu: None. A. Paissan: None. M. St-Jean: None. H. Falhammar: None. N. Imamudeen: None. L. Haberbosch: None. M. Bobrowicz: None. A. Tabarin: None. R. Shah: None. M.R. Gadelha: None. A. Peersen: None. W.F. Young: None. J. Kaplan: None. J. Varghese: None. M.A. Habra: None. O. Golounina: None. G.A. Melnichenko: None. A.R. Lila: None. C. Yamichannaiah: None. I. Bancos: None. Context: Cushing syndrome (CS) due to ectopic ACTH secretion (EAS) is a rare condition, associated with severe hypercortisolism and consequent morbidity and mortality. Its varied and often emergent presentation make diagnosis and treatment challenging. Objectives: 1.Characterize clinical and biochemical presentation of EAS. 2.Describe the scope of hypercortisolism-related complications, overall and CS-specific mortality. 3.Identify factors associated with CS-specific mortality. Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study in patients with EAS at 37 centers. Outcomes were clinical/biochemical severity scores, complications, overall and CS-specific mortality. Results: In 1053 patients [median age at diagnosis 52 years (IQR 37-64), 57% women], metastatic disease was present at diagnosis in 585 (56%). The most common sources of EAS were bronchial neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) (304, 29%), pancreatic NEN (114, 11%) and small cell lung carcinoma (114, 11%), with the source of EAS being occult in 192 (18%). Clinical and biochemical severity scores were severe in 475 (45%) and 873 patients (92%) respectively. Hypokalemia was present in 819 patients (78%) in the year prior to diagnosis. Of 342 patients (32%) who had IPSS, 301 (88%) suggested an ectopic source, 7 (2%) a pituitary source, and 23 (7%) were non-diagnostic. Of 595 patients who had both functional and cross-sectional imaging, discordant findings were seen in 122 (21%), concordant lesion was seen on both in 326 (55%), and no lesion in 147 (25%). Of those with discordant results, cross-sectional imaging was accurate in 66 (54%) and functional imaging in 56 (46%).Management included medical therapy alone in 237 (23%), surgical excision of the source of EAS in 158 (15%), bilateral adrenalectomy in 77 (7%) and multimodal therapies in 498 patients (47%). Complications within 5 years after diagnosis included hospitalization related to CS or its therapy in 351 (33%), infection in 337 (32%), thromboembolic event in 102 (10%), cardiovascular event in 83 (8%) and cerebrovascular event in 27 (3%). During a median follow-up of 35 months (IQR 20-122) from CS diagnosis, death occurred in 462 patients (44%), with the cause of death related to CS in 149 (14%). CS-specific mortality was higher in metastatic compared with non-metastatic disease (19% vs. 7%, P<0.001). On multivariable analysis of age, sex, clinical and biochemical severity, older age (HR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.04) and lower clinical severity score (HR 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94-0.99), were associated with higher CS-specific mortality. Conclusion: Our interim analysis, the largest worldwide, found that most patients with EAS had severe hypercortisolism and hypokalemia. Metastatic disease was present in 56%, and the source of EAS was occult in 18%. CS-related death occurred in 14%, emphasizing the need for urgent management. Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025

Abstract Disclosure: I. Bancos: None. H. Falhammar: None. J. Young: None. R. Pivonello: Received research funding from Corcept Therapeutics, Neurocrine Biosciences, Recordati AG, Spruce Bioscience and Xeris Pharmaceuticals (Strongbridge Biopharma), Consultant for Corcept Therapeutics, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, HLundbeck A/S and Recordati Rare Diseases.. G. Russo: None. M.R. Stancampiano: None. V.H. Lin: Full-time employee of Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. J. Sturgeon: Full-time employee of Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. J.L. Chan: Full-time employee of Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. Background: In patients with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), chronic glucocorticoid (GC) treatment, especially at supraphysiologic doses, can lead to weight gain or obesity. Crinecerfont, a corticotropin releasing factor type 1 receptor (CRF1) antagonist, is a first-in-class medication that is FDA-approved for adjunctive treatment to GC replacement to control androgens in patients with CAH. In CAHtalyst™ Adult (NCT04490915), least-squares mean (LSM) percent changes in GC dose at Week 24 (end of double-blind placebo-controlled [DBPC] period) indicated a significant reduction with crinecerfont (-27.3% vs 10.3% for placebo; LSM difference [LSMD] -17.0%; P<0.0001) while androstenedione was maintained or improved relative to Day 1 baseline (BL). At Month 12 (end of open-label [OL] period), mean percent decreases from BL were -24.6% in participants continuing crinecerfont (CFT/CFT) and -29.7% in those switched from placebo (PBO/CFT). Objective: To evaluate weight-related outcomes in adults with CAH who received up to 1 year of crinecerfont. Methods: Mean change from Day 1 BL in body mass index (BMI) and mean percentage change from BL in weight were analyzed at Week 24 and Month 12. Achievement of >5% reduction in weight was also analyzed, with results presented as % (n/N: n=number meeting response threshold, N=number who were overweight/obese [BMI ≥25 kg/m2]) at BL and had available data at assessment [Week 24 and Month 12]). For predefined endpoints in the DBPC period, results are presented as LSM changes with LSMD and P-value. Results: Mean BMI at BL was 30.1 kg/m2 (crinecerfont) and 29.0 kg/m2 (placebo), and >70% of participants were overweight or obese (74.6% [91/122] crinecerfont; 63.3% [38/60] placebo). At Week 24, LSM changes from BL for crinecerfont vs placebo were as follows: BMI (-0.42 vs -0.02; LSMD: 0.40, P=0.1068); percent change in weight (1.45% vs -0.07%; LSMD: 1.38%, P=0.0856). At Month 12, further mean reductions from BL were observed with crinecerfont in BMI (-0.81 kg/m2 CFT/CFT, -0.44 kg/m2 PBO/CFT) and weight (-2.72% CFT/CFT, -1.37% PBO/CFT). Among participants who were overweight or obese at BL, a higher percentage achieved >5% reduction in weight at Week 24 with crinecerfont 18.4% (16/87) versus placebo 13.5% (5/37). At Month 12, 27.4% (23/84) and 38.9% (14/36) achieved this threshold in the CFT/CFT and PBO/CFT groups, respectively. Conclusion: Adults with CAH who received up to 1 year of crinecerfont showed reductions in BMI and weight. Among participants who were overweight or obese at BL, 30.8% achieved a >5% reduction in weight at Month 12. These analyses indicate that the substantial GC dose reductions enabled by crinecerfont can allow for improvements in the weight-related effects associated with chronic supraphysiologic GC exposure. Presentation: Sunday, July 13, 2025

Abstract Objective To study pregnancy outcomes and complications in women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Methods A retrospective multicenter study was conducted at tertiary reference centers in 5 countries (Austria, Germany, Italy, Sweden, USA), including 72 adult women with CAH (nonclassic [NC] n = 34, simple virilizing [SV] n = 21, salt wasting [SW] n = 17). Results A total of 133 pregnancies, 112 live births, and 25 abortions were documented. Prolonged latency to pregnancy was observed (median 11 months in SW, 24 months in SV, 8 months in NC), with a notable use of fertility-enhancing medication (25.6%) and assisted reproductive techniques (30.8%). Over half of the women in each group took more than 12 months to conceive. The average number of live births (1.4-1.6 children per woman) was similar across CAH phenotypes and comparable to the general population. Spontaneous abortion rates (18.0%) were also similar across phenotypes. Primary cesarean section rates (60.9%) were higher than in the general population, though 23.8% of women with SV and 29.4% of women with SW gave birth naturally, despite most having undergone genital surgery. Children categorized as small for gestational age were 20.5%. Pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum complications were rare for mothers and neonates. Conclusion The study indicates a prolonged latency to pregnancy and high use of fertility treatments in CAH patients, regardless of phenotype. Abortion rates were not increased, and overall pregnancy and perinatal outcomes were favorable.

Abstract Disclosure: R.J. Auchus: Consulting Fee; Self; Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, OMass Therapeutics, H Lundbeck A/S, Adrenas Therapeutics. Research Investigator; Self; Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., Diurnal, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Spruce Biosciences. O. Hamidi: Advisory Board Member; Self; Corcept Therapeutics, Recordati Rare Diseases, Amryt Pharma, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., Xeris, Lantheus. R. Pivonello: Advisory Board Member; Self; Corcept Therapeutics, Recordati AG, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, H. Lundbeck A/S. Research Investigator; Self; Corcept Therapeutics, Recordati AG, Strongbridge Biopharma, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. I. Bancos: Consulting Fee; Self; Corcept Therapeutics, Recordati Rare Diseases, HRA Pharmaceuticals, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., Diurnal, Spruce Biosciences, Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, Adrenas Therapeutics. Research Investigator; Self; Recordati Rare Diseases. G. Russo: Advisory Board Member; Self; Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Sandoz, Diurnal. Speaker; Self; Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Sandoz, Diurnal. S.F. Witchel: Research Investigator; Self; Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. A.M. Isidori: Research Investigator; Self; Pfizer, Inc., Merck Serono, HRA Pharmaceuticals, Recordati AG, Corcept. P. Rodien: Consulting Fee; Self; Pfizer, Inc., Novo Nordisk, Lilly USA, LLC, Ipsen, HRA Pharmaceuticals, IBSA Pharma, Recordati Rare Diseases. U. Srirangalingam: Advisory Board Member; Self; Diurnal. Speaker; Self; Diurnal. F.W. Kiefer: Advisory Board Member; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly & Company, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Inc., Sanofi. Speaker; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly & Company, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Inc., Sanofi. H. Falhammar: Consulting Fee; Self; Diurnal, Roche Diagnostics, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., H Lundbeck A/S, Adrenas Therapeutics. D.P. Merke: Research Investigator; Self; Diurnal, Adrenas Therapeutics, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. N. Reisch: Consulting Fee; Self; Diurnal, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., Spruce Biosciences, H Lundbeck A/S. J. Sturgeon: Employee; Self; Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. E. Roberts: Employee; Self; Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. V.H. Lin: Employee; Self; Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. J.L. Chan: Employee; Self; Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. R. Farber: Employee; Self; Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.. Introduction: Classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD), a genetic disorder characterized by cortisol deficiency and excess adrenal androgens, typically requires management with supraphysiological glucocorticoid (GC) doses. Crinecerfont is a novel oral CRF1 antagonist that reduced elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone and adrenal androgens in patients with 21OHD in 14-day open-label Phase 2 studies. This Phase 3 study (CAHtalyst: NCT04490915) evaluated whether crinecerfont can reduce daily GC dose while maintaining androgen control in adults with 21OHD. Methods: Adults (≥18 years) with 21OHD, stable GC regimens at doses >13 mg/m2/d in hydrocortisone equivalents (HCe), and normal or elevated androstenedione (A4) were randomized (2:1) to crinecerfont 100 mg BID or placebo for 24 weeks. GC dosing was maintained stable for 4 weeks, followed by a planned GC down-titration over 8 weeks to achieve a GC dose of 8-10 mg/m2/d. GC doses were adjusted as needed during the last 12 weeks to maintain A4 control (≤120% of baseline or ≤upper limit of normal [ULN]) by week 24. Results: In the 182 randomized participants (51% male, mean age 31 years), demographics and baseline characteristics were similar between treatment arms (122 crinecerfont, 60 placebo). Mean GC dose at baseline was 17.6 mg/m2/d HCe (32 mg/d), with 58% on HC alone, 29% taking predniso[lo]ne, and 13% taking dexamethasone; mean pre-GC A4 (620 ng/dL) was elevated >2-3-fold the ULN. Over 95% of participants completed the double-blind treatment period. At week 24, the crinecerfont arm had a significantly greater percent reduction in GC dose while maintaining A4 control vs placebo (-27% vs -10%; least squares mean difference [LSMD]: -17%; p<0.0001) (primary endpoint). At week 4 (end of GC-stable period), a greater reduction in A4 prior to the morning GC dose was observed with crinecerfont vs placebo (LSMD: -345 ng/dL; p<0.0001) (key secondary endpoint). At week 24, a higher percentage of participants reached a protocol-defined physiological GC dose (≤11 mg/m2/d) while maintaining A4 control with crinecerfont (63% vs 18% for placebo; p<0.0001) (key secondary endpoint). The most common treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) in the crinecerfont arm were fatigue (25% vs 15% for placebo), headache (16% vs 15%), and COVID-19 (14% vs 9%). There were few serious AEs (3% overall), with none assessed as related to the study drug. Conclusions: Crinecerfont, an oral CRF1 antagonist, represents a novel treatment option to improve androgen control for patients with 21OHD. In the largest interventional Phase 3 study conducted to date in adults with 21OHD, crinecerfont led to a significant reduction in A4 while GC dose was stable, enabling a significant percent reduction in GC dose while maintaining A4 control at 24 weeks. Crinecerfont was overall well tolerated. Presentation: 6/1/2024

AbstractWhile most benign lesions of the adrenal glands represent either an adrenocortical adenoma or a myelolipoma, the advent and frequent use of high-resolution radiological investigations have led to relatively increased incidental discovery of rare adrenal lesions, specifically benign adrenal cysts, adrenal ganglioneuromas, adrenal schwannomas, adrenal hemorrhage, and adrenal calcifications. Radiological characteristics of the different rare benign adrenal lesions could vary from distinct to indeterminate. Though typically nonfunctional, these rare lesions require evaluation for adrenal hormone excess, as they may phenotypically appear similar to pheochromocytoma or adrenocortical carcinoma and could sometimes be associated with or conceal an underlying functional adrenal tumor. In this review, we discuss the various rare benign adrenal lesions, emphasizing a practical perspective.

Pheochromocytomas and abdominal paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare tumors arising from the adrenal medulla or the sympathetic nervous system. This review presents a practical guidance for clinicians dealing with PPGLs. The incidence of PPGLs has risen. Most cases are detected via imaging and less present with symptoms of catecholamine excess. Most PPGLs secrete catecholamines, with diffuse symptoms. Diagnosis is made by imaging and tests of catecholamines. Localized disease can be cured by surgery. PPGLs are the most heritable of all human tumors, and germline variants are found in approximately 30–50% of cases. Such variants can give information regarding the risk of developing recurrence or metastases as well as the risk of developing other tumors and may identify relatives at risk for disease. All PPGLs harbor malignant potential, and current histological and immunohistochemical algorithms can aid in the identification of indolent vs. aggressive tumors. While most patients with metastatic PPGL have slowly progressive disease, a proportion of patients present with an aggressive course, highlighting the need for more effective therapies in these cases. We conclude that PPGLs are rare but increasing in incidence and management should be guided by a multidisciplinary team.

Abstract Context Appropriate management of adrenal insufficiency (AI) in pregnancy can be challenging due to the rarity of the disease and lack of evidence-based recommendations to guide glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid dosage adjustment. Objective Multicenter survey on current clinical approaches in managing AI during pregnancy. Design Retrospective anonymized data collection from 19 international centers from 2013 to 2019. Setting and Patients 128 pregnancies in 113 women with different causes of AI: Addison disease (44%), secondary AI (25%), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (25%), and acquired AI due to bilateral adrenalectomy (6%). Results Hydrocortisone (HC) was the most commonly used glucocorticoid in 83% (97/117) of pregnancies. Glucocorticoid dosage was increased at any time during pregnancy in 73/128 (57%) of cases. In these cases, the difference in the daily dose of HC equivalent between baseline and the third trimester was 8.6 ± 5.4 (range 1-30) mg. Fludrocortisone dosage was increased in fewer cases (7/54 during the first trimester, 9/64 during the second trimester, and 9/62 cases during the third trimester). Overall, an adrenal crisis was reported in 9/128 (7%) pregnancies. Cesarean section was the most frequent mode of delivery at 58% (69/118). Fetal complications were reported in 3/120 (3%) and minor maternal complications in 15/120 (13%) pregnancies without fatal outcomes. Conclusions This survey confirms good maternal and fetal outcome in women with AI managed in specialized endocrine centers. An emphasis on careful endocrine follow-up and repeated patient education is likely to have reduced the risk of adrenal crisis and resulted in positive outcomes.

Abstract Objective. Several smaller studies on adrenal incidentalomas (AI) suggested an association between autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) and mortality (Di Dalmazi Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2014, Debono J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014, Patrova Endocrine 2017). However, a recent meta-analysis (9 studies, 1356 patients) could not confirm these findings (Elhassan Ann Intern Med 2019). Aim. To investigate the effects of ACS on mortality, prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, and (CV) morbidity, in a representative cohort of AI. Design. Retrospective observational study conducted at 27 ENS@T centers from 15 countries. Methods. Inclusion criteria: AI diagnosed 1996-2015, 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test, follow-up (FU) of ≥36 months, known survival status. Exclusion criteria: clinically relevant adrenal hormone excess (i.e. Cushing’s syndrome, pheochromocytoma, primary hyperaldosteronism), known malignancy. Patient stratification: serum cortisol after dexamethasone (>5 µg/dl, ACS; 1.9-5 µg/dl, possible ACS (PACS); ≤1.8 µg/dl, non-functioning adenoma (NFA)). Definition of CV events (CVE): hospitalization due to myocardial infarction and related interventions (PTCA, surgical bypass), stroke, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism. Results. 3640 patients (57% NFA, 36% PACS, 7% ACS) were considered eligible: 64% females; median age 61 years (range 18-91); median FU 84 months (36-277) (distribution between subgroups n.s.). 352 patients died during FU. Age- and sex adjusted overall survival was significantly reduced in patients with PACS (HR 1.55; 95%CI 1.24-1.94) and ACS (1.84; 1.29-2.61). Prevalence of CV risk factors were significantly higher in PACS and ACS than in NFA (hypertension: 72, 73, 57%, p<0.0001; dyslipidemia: 42, 49, 35%, p<0.0001; diabetes: 22, 25, 17%, p<0.0001) When adjusted to relevant confounders (i.e. age, sex, CV risk factors), time to first CVE was shorter in PACS (HR 1.36; 1.07-1.73) and ACS (HR 1.62; 1.10-2.40) compared to NFA. Conclusion. PACS and ACS are associated with increased overall mortality and CV morbidity. However, to prove causality a large randomized intervention trial is required.