Crinetics Randomizes First Patient In Phase 3 CAREFNDR Trial Of Oral Paltusotine For Carcinoid Syndrome

CAREFNDR underscores the potential clinical value of paltusotine beyond acromegaly, and demonstrates progress in Crinetics' commitment to addressing unmet needs in the neuroendocrine tumor community

 SAN DIEGO, Nov. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRNX) today announced the first patient has been randomized in the pivotal Phase 3 CAREFNDR trial, a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the efficacy and safety of once-daily, oral paltusotine in adults with carcinoid syndrome due to well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors. The Phase 3 study builds on positive Phase 2 data in which paltusotine demonstrated rapid and sustained reductions in the frequency and severity of carcinoid syndrome symptoms, including flushing episodes and bowel movements.

"Patients with carcinoid syndrome need a treatment option that can consistently manage symptoms without the burden of painful monthly injections," said Dana Pizzuti, M.D., Chief Medical and Development Officer of Crinetics. "Based on our encouraging Phase 2 results and data from our open-label extension, we believe paltusotine has the potential to transform the treatment landscape with a once-daily, oral therapy that may offer meaningful benefits for patients managing the challenging day-to-day impacts of carcinoid syndrome. The initiation of our Phase 3 CAREFNDR trial represents a significant milestone in our commitment to address this critical unmet need."

The Phase 3 study is designed to enroll 141 adults, both naïve and previously treated patients, with carcinoid syndrome. Participants will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either once-daily paltusotine 80 mg or matching placebo. The primary endpoint will measure the change in flushing episodes per day from baseline to Week 12, with change in bowel movements per day as a key secondary endpoint. Following the 16-week randomized controlled period, the trial includes a 104-week open-label extension (OLE) to evaluate long-term efficacy, safety and additional clinical outcomes. The OLE will also monitor long-term tumor control (progression free survival).

The Phase 3 CAREFNDR trial represents the latest step in Crinetics' goal of expanding the value of PALSONIFY™ (paltusotine) beyond its lead indication for the treatment of acromegaly. Crinetics is also investigating meeting the unmet needs of NETs patients through CRN09682, the first candidate from its nonpeptide drug conjugate platform. CRN09682, an investigational anti-tumor candidate targeting SST2-expressing neuroendocrine and other solid tumors, received Investigational New Drug clearance earlier this year. This broader development strategy reflects Crinetics' dedication to developing transformative therapies that address serious endocrine disorders and endocrine-related cancers.