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Metformin IR
Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, lowering blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes.
Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, lowering blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes. Used for Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
At a glance
| Generic name | Metformin IR |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Glucophage, Glucophage® IR, Met IR, Glucophage IR |
| Sponsor | AstraZeneca |
| Drug class | Biguanide |
| Target | AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Diabetes |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Metformin is a biguanide that activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which suppresses gluconeogenesis in the liver and enhances glucose uptake and utilization in muscle and adipose tissue. It does not stimulate insulin secretion, making it weight-neutral and suitable for use across a range of patient populations. The IR (immediate-release) formulation allows rapid absorption and onset of action.
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
- Bioequivalence Study of Liquid Metformin (100 and 250 mg/mL) vs IR Tablets (PHASE1)
- Tolerability Study of Liquid Metformin (100 and 250 mg/mL) vs IR Tablets (PHASE1)
- ACTIV-6: COVID-19 Study of Repurposed Medications - Arm G (Metformin) (PHASE3)
- ACTIV-6: COVID-19 Study of Repurposed Medications (PHASE3)
- SGLT2 Inhibitors in Treating Patients With PCOS (NA)
- A Study to Assess Safety of Canagliflozin and Metformin Hydrochloride Combination Given as a Supplement to Diet and Exercise to Improve Blood Sugar Level in Indian Adult Participants With Diabetes (PHASE4)
- Polypill Versus Metformin in New Onset Type 2 Diabetes (PHASE2)
- Metformin Therapy in Non-diabetic AAA Patients (PHASE2, 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:
- Metformin IR CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Metformin IR updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- AstraZeneca portfolio CI