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Metformin and Pioglitazone
This combination reduces blood glucose by improving insulin sensitivity through two complementary pathways: metformin decreases hepatic glucose production and improves peripheral glucose uptake, while pioglitazone enhances insulin sensitivity in muscle and adipose tissue via PPAR-gamma activation.
This combination reduces blood glucose by improving insulin sensitivity through two complementary pathways: metformin decreases hepatic glucose production and improves peripheral glucose uptake, while pioglitazone enhances insulin sensitivity in muscle and adipose tissue via PPAR-gamma activation. Used for Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
At a glance
| Generic name | Metformin and Pioglitazone |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | King Edward Medical University |
| Drug class | Antidiabetic combination (biguanide + thiazolidinedione) |
| Target | Metformin: AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway; Pioglitazone: PPAR-gamma |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Diabetes |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Metformin is a biguanide that primarily works by suppressing gluconeogenesis in the liver and increasing glucose utilization in peripheral tissues. Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione that activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma), promoting insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in muscle and fat cells. Together, they provide synergistic glycemic control through distinct mechanisms.
Approved indications
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Common side effects
- Lactic acidosis (metformin)
- Weight gain (pioglitazone)
- Fluid retention and edema (pioglitazone)
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (metformin)
- Hypoglycemia (when combined with other agents)
Key clinical trials
- The Effect of Alogliptin Combined With Actoplus Met on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism and Pancreatic Function in Patients With T2DM Complicated With MAFLD (PHASE4)
- A Study to Evaluate the Effect of add-on Pioglitazone or Dapagliflozin in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Inadequately Controlled by DPP-4 Inhibitor and Metformin Therapy (PHASE4)
- Effect of Pioglitazone vs Metformin on Clinical, Biochemical and Hormonal Parameters of Insulin Resistant PCOS (NA)
- Comparative Effectiveness of Two Initial Combination Therapies in Patients With Recent Onset Diabetes (PHASE3)
- Oral Anti Diabetic Agents in the Hospital (PHASE4)
- Impact of Pharmacogenetic-Guided Treatment on Type 2 Diabetes. (PHASE4)
- A Pragmatic Randomized Trial to Evaluate the Comparative Effectiveness Between Dapagliflozin and Standard of Care in Type 2 Diabetes Patients (PHASE4)
- Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Four Second Line Pharmacological Strategies in Type 2 Diabetes Study
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:
- Metformin and Pioglitazone CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Metformin and Pioglitazone updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- King Edward Medical University portfolio CI