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Metformin immediate release

Janssen Research & Development, LLC · Phase 3 active Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026

Metformin immediate release is a Biguanide Small molecule drug developed by Janssen Research & Development, LLC. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Prediabetes (prevention of progression to type 2 diabetes).

Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibiting mitochondrial complex I.

Metformin immediate release is a small molecule used to treat conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. It is typically administered orally in a fixed dose combination with other medications, such as saxagliptin, for the treatment of these conditions.

Likelihood of approval
61.3% vs 58.3% industry baseline
If approved by FDA: likely 2028–2030
Steps remaining: NDA/BLA submission
Confidence: High
Why this estimate
  • Baseline phase 3 → approval rate +58.3pp
    Industry-wide phase 3 drugs reach approval ~58.3% of the time (BIO/Informa 2023 industry benchmark across all therapeutic areas).
  • Big-pharma sponsor +3.0pp
    Janssen Research & Development, LLC is a top-20 pharma sponsor — historical approval rates run ~3pp above average due to scale, regulatory experience, and trial-design quality.
Predicted approval windows by jurisdiction (conditional on FDA approval)
Regulator Country Likely year Lag vs FDA
FDA US 2028–2030
EMA EU 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
MHRA GB 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
Health Canada CA 2029–2032 +0.9 yr
TGA AU 2029–2032 +1.2 yr
PMDA JP 2029–2032 +1.5 yr
NMPA CN 2030–2033 +2.3 yr
MFDS KR 2029–2032 +1.4 yr
CDSCO IN 2029–2033 +1.8 yr
ANVISA BR 2030–2033 +2.3 yr

Hover any row for the lag rationale. Lag estimates are reduced when the drug has FDA Breakthrough or EMA PRIME designation (sponsors file globally in parallel).

Estimate based on the BIO/Informa industry phase transition rates plus per-drug modifiers for therapeutic area, sponsor type, FDA designations, mechanism, and trial design. Per-jurisdiction lags from Tufts CSDD international approval studies. Not investment, clinical or regulatory advice. Methodology: /methodology#likelihood.

At a glance

Generic nameMetformin immediate release
SponsorJanssen Research & Development, LLC
Drug classBiguanide
TargetAMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK); mitochondrial complex I
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaDiabetes
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

Metformin is a biguanide that primarily works by decreasing gluconeogenesis in the liver and improving peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. It activates AMPK, a key metabolic regulator, and may also enhance insulin signaling in muscle and adipose tissue. The drug does not stimulate insulin secretion, making it weight-neutral and useful across a broad range of glucose levels.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial 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:

Frequently asked questions about Metformin immediate release

What is Metformin immediate release?

Metformin immediate release is a Biguanide drug developed by Janssen Research & Development, LLC, indicated for Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Prediabetes (prevention of progression to type 2 diabetes).

How does Metformin immediate release work?

Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibiting mitochondrial complex I.

What is Metformin immediate release used for?

Metformin immediate release is indicated for Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Prediabetes (prevention of progression to type 2 diabetes).

Who makes Metformin immediate release?

Metformin immediate release is developed by Janssen Research & Development, LLC (see full Janssen Research & Development, LLC pipeline at /company/johnson-johnson).

What drug class is Metformin immediate release in?

Metformin immediate release belongs to the Biguanide class. See all Biguanide drugs at /class/biguanide.

What development phase is Metformin immediate release in?

Metformin immediate release is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of Metformin immediate release?

Common side effects of Metformin immediate release include Gastrointestinal disturbance (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort), Metallic taste, Vitamin B12 deficiency, Lactic acidosis (rare).

What does Metformin immediate release target?

Metformin immediate release targets AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK); mitochondrial complex I and is a Biguanide.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing