Crinetics Shares Surge to 52-Week High on Positive Adrenal Drug Data
The biotech's experimental drug atumelnant showed significant hormone reduction in a Phase 2 trial for congenital adrenal hyperplasia, boosting investor confidence.
Shares of Crinetics Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: CRNX) surged more than 12% on Tuesday after the company announced positive results from a mid-stage trial of its experimental drug for a rare genetic disorder, bolstering hopes for a new treatment standard and validating the company’s drug development platform.
The San Diego-based biotech reported that its oral drug, atumelnant, achieved its goals in a Phase 2 study for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The stock climbed as much as 13%, touching a new 52-week high of $53.41 in morning trading before settling around $52.57, an increase of over 12.5%. The rally pushed the company's market capitalization to over $4.4 billion.
CAH is a rare genetic condition that results in an enzyme deficiency, impairing the adrenal glands' ability to produce the stress hormone cortisol. This leads to an overproduction of male sex hormones (androgens), which can cause significant health issues. The current standard of care involves high-dose glucocorticoids (steroids) to manage symptoms, but this long-term treatment carries a heavy burden of side effects, including bone loss, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular risk.
Crinetics' study data suggests atumelnant could offer a transformative alternative. The topline results from the TouCAHn trial showed that treatment led to a mean reduction of 67% in androstenedione, a key adrenal androgen, as of the January 5, 2026 data cut-off. Crucially, according to the company's announcement, 88% of trial participants were able to reduce their daily glucocorticoid dose to physiologic levels while maintaining control of their androgen levels.
“These exciting results show atumelnant not only lowered key biomarkers, but also had a significant impact on the signs and symptoms of CAH that are important to the overall health of people living with this condition,” said Scott Struthers, Ph.D., founder and chief executive officer of Crinetics, in a statement. He highlighted that the company's pipeline now features two drug candidates with positive late-stage data.
Atumelnant works by targeting the ACTH receptor, aiming to selectively reduce the overproduction of adrenal androgens without the collateral effects of steroid therapy. The positive data de-risks a key asset in Crinetics' pipeline and was met with optimism from analysts. Wall Street consensus shows strong support for the company, with 14 analysts covering the stock recommending a 'Buy' or 'Strong Buy' rating ahead of the data release.
Dr. Alan Krasner, the company's chief endocrinologist, emphasized the clinical significance of the findings. “This Phase 2 study demonstrated that atumelnant was well tolerated and resulted in a reduction of adrenal androgen levels so rapid and robust that it allowed patients to realize meaningful improvements in long-term, pre-existing medical challenges, even within the short 12-week treatment period of this study,” he noted.
Buoyed by the results, Crinetics is moving forward with its clinical program. The company plans to initiate a global Phase 3 pivotal trial for adults with CAH and is preparing to begin a Phase 2b/3 trial for pediatric patients later this year. Success in these later-stage trials could position atumelnant as a first-in-class therapy, dramatically altering the treatment landscape for thousands of patients globally and unlocking a significant market opportunity.
The results provide further momentum for Crinetics, which is focused on building a portfolio of therapies for rare endocrine diseases. The positive outcome for atumelnant follows progress with its other late-stage candidate, paltusotine, for acromegaly and carcinoid syndrome, solidifying the company's standing as a formidable player in the endocrinology space.