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Biguanides (BG)
Biguanides reduce hepatic glucose production and improve insulin sensitivity by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibiting mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase.
Biguanides reduce hepatic glucose production and improve insulin sensitivity by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibiting mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Used for Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
At a glance
| Generic name | Biguanides (BG) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Eli Lilly and Company |
| Drug class | Biguanide |
| Target | AMPK, mitochondrial complex I |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Diabetes |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Biguanides are a class of oral antidiabetic agents that primarily work by decreasing gluconeogenesis in the liver, thereby lowering fasting blood glucose levels. They also enhance peripheral glucose uptake and utilization by muscle and adipose tissue, improving overall insulin sensitivity without stimulating pancreatic insulin secretion. The mechanism involves activation of AMPK, a key metabolic regulator, and inhibition of complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain.
Approved indications
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal disturbance (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort)
- Metallic taste
- Lactic acidosis (rare)
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
Key clinical trials
- Oral Anti Diabetic Agents in the Hospital (PHASE4)
- The Effect of Simple Basal Insulin Titration, Metformin Plus Liraglutide for Type 2 Diabetes With Very Elevated HbA1c - The SIMPLE Study (PHASE4)
- Ketosis-Prone Diabetes Mellitus (KPDM): Metformin Versus Sitagliptin Treatment (PHASE4)
- A Study of LY2189265 in Japanese Participants With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (PHASE3)
- A Study of Dulaglutide in Japanese Participants With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (PHASE3)
- Insulin Glargine Combination Therapies in Type II Diabetics (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Biguanides (BG) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Biguanides (BG) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Eli Lilly and Company portfolio CI