Founded in 2004, Diurnal has already entered into an agreement to develop a tablet that delivers hydrocortisone in a manner that mimics the normal physiological circadian rhythm.This clearly defined rhythm, with high levels in the morning and low levels at night, is lost in patients with adrenal insufficiency.

Current therapies are steroid-based, and cannot adequately control the condition, so the Diurnal management team believes that their product should offer a much needed improvement in treatment for patient’s with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

This product is being developed by Phoqus, a UK drug delivery company, which has an exclusive license of 'delayed and sustained release therapy patent’.

In 2005 Diurnal received Orphan Medicinal Product designation for this product from the European Medicines Agency, which affords 10 years of market exclusivity after the grant of a marketing authorisation in Europe.

The product has recently successfully completed Phase 1 clinical studies. Phoqus plans to license the product in 2006 to a marketing partner to complete the development and launch the product in the periods 2008-2009.

Diurnal anticipates that the new product will provide a more efficacious therapy, with improved compliance from patients. Diurnal's directors believe that the global market for the product is estimated to be worth up to £100million