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Metformin hydrochoride
Metformin hydrochoride is a Biguanide Small molecule drug developed by University of Massachusetts, Worcester. It is currently FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Prediabetes (off-label/prevention). Also known as: Glucophage.
Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity, thereby lowering blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes.
Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity, lowering blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes. Used for Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Prediabetes (prevention of progression to type 2 diabetes), Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
At a glance
| Generic name | Metformin hydrochoride |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Glucophage |
| Sponsor | University of Massachusetts, Worcester |
| Drug class | Biguanide |
| Target | AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK); mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Diabetes |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Metformin is a biguanide that activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibits mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, leading to decreased gluconeogenesis in the liver. It also enhances peripheral glucose uptake and utilization by muscle and adipose tissue, improving overall insulin sensitivity without stimulating insulin secretion.
Approved indications
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Prediabetes (off-label/prevention)
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal disturbance (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort)
- Metallic taste
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Lactic acidosis (rare, in renal impairment)
Key clinical trials
- Safety and Tolerability of Metformin in People With Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (PHASE2)
- OCP vs Metformin on Ovarian Stromal Blood Flow in PCOS (PHASE4)
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 hydrochoride CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Metformin hydrochoride updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Massachusetts, Worcester portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about Metformin hydrochoride
What is Metformin hydrochoride?
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What drug class is Metformin hydrochoride in?
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What does Metformin hydrochoride target?
Related
- Drug class: All Biguanide drugs
- Target: All drugs targeting AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK); mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase
- Manufacturer: University of Massachusetts, Worcester — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Diabetes
- Indication: Drugs for Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Indication: Drugs for Prediabetes (off-label/prevention)
- Also known as: Glucophage
Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing