Novartis says that SOM230 has proven to be the first drug to demonstrate efficacy in a late-stage study of Cushing's disease, a hormonal disorder in which adrenal glands produce potentially lethal levels of cortisol. The pharma company plans a regulatory filing later this year. "The study findings show that SOM230 has the potential to directly target the underlying pituitary tumor and suppress cortisol production, thereby helping patients achieve biochemical control of their Cushing's disease and the associated debilitating symptoms," said Annamaria Colao, one of the study investigators. Novartis release