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Comparator: placebo metformin
Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues.
Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. Used for Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
At a glance
| Generic name | Comparator: placebo metformin |
|---|---|
| Also known as | metformin |
| Sponsor | Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC |
| Drug class | Biguanide |
| Target | AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK); mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Diabetes |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Metformin is a biguanide that primarily works by decreasing gluconeogenesis in the liver and enhancing glucose uptake and utilization in muscle and adipose tissue. It may also improve insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells and reduce intestinal glucose absorption. These combined effects lower blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Approved indications
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal disturbance (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort)
- Metallic taste
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Lactic acidosis (rare)
Key clinical trials
- Phase III Trial of SGLT2 Inhibitor and Thiazolidinedione Fixed-Dose Combination vs. Monotherapy in Type 2 Diabetes Patients on Metformin (PHASE3)
- Role of Metformin on Muscle Health of Older Adults (EARLY_PHASE1)
- ACTIV-6: COVID-19 Study of Repurposed Medications - Arm G (Metformin) (PHASE3)
- ACTIV-6: COVID-19 Study of Repurposed Medications (PHASE3)
- Interaction Between Inorganic Nitrate Supplementation and Metformin in Individuals With Prediabetes (NA)
- A Study of HDM1005 in Participants With T2DM Not Controlled With Diet/Exercise or Metformin (PHASE2)
- The Experiment of Noiiglutide Injection in Type 2 Diabetes Patients (PHASE3)
- Enhancing the Efficacy and Tolerability of Metformin by add-on Polyherbal Formulation: a Gut Microbiome Study (NA)
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:
- Comparator: placebo metformin CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Comparator: placebo metformin updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC portfolio CI