OMS1620
OMass Therapeutics drug candidate that blocks the MC2 receptor.
OMS1620 is the lead drug candidate in OMass Therapeutics’ clinical plans. On 15 October 2026, OMass announced financing intended to take it through Phase 2 development for congenital adrenal hyperplasia and ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome.
Last refreshed: 22 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Timeline for OMS1620
Funded into Phase 2 trials
UK Startups and Innovation: Oxford's OMass raises $310m on foreign leadsBackground
OMS1620 is a small-molecule drug candidate developed by OMass Therapeutics to block the melanocortin-2 receptor, known as MC2. This receptor responds to adrenocorticotropic hormone, or ACTH, which stimulates production of cortisol and androgens. The programme targets disorders in which excessive ACTH signalling contributes to disease. [OMass scientific background](https://www.OMass.com/2025/07/14/OMass-therapeutics-presents-positive-preclinical-data-for-its-best-in-class-mc2-program-at-endo-2025/).
In congenital adrenal hyperplasia, difficulty producing cortisol can lead to high ACTH levels and excess androgens. Treatment often requires glucocorticoids both to replace cortisol and suppress that hormonal drive. OMS1620 is designed to remain bound to its target for longer, maintaining receptor blockade when ACTH levels rise. The programme aims to improve hormone control while patients receive physiological replacement doses of glucocorticoids. This explains the drug’s development rationale without establishing clinical efficacy or an approved treatment.
OMS1620 gains funding for clinical development
On 15 October 2026, OMass announced a $310 million financing round that would support OMS1620 through Phase 2 development. For the drug candidate, the stated programme covered congenital adrenal hyperplasia and ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome, both linked to the hormone pathway it targets.
The October announcement set out a development plan, not a successful trial result. OMass described OMS1620 as advancing into the clinic and intended the funding to support its evaluation in patients. At that announcement, the proposed benefit remained a therapeutic aim: controlling the effects of excess ACTH while reducing Reliance on excessive glucocorticoid doses.
Who is developing OMS1620?
What does OMS1620 target?
Which conditions is OMS1620 being developed for?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.