Last reviewed 2026-06-01 · How we verify

Metformin Large Pack

GlaxoSmithKline · FDA-approved active Small molecule ✓ Verified Jun 2026

Metformin Large Pack is a Biguanide Small molecule drug developed by GlaxoSmithKline. It is currently FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Prediabetes (prevention of progression to type 2 diabetes).

Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity, thereby lowering blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes.

Metformin is a small molecule used to treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It is available in different pack sizes, including small and large packs, which are being studied to determine their effect on patient compliance.

At a glance

Generic name	Metformin Large Pack
Sponsor	GlaxoSmithKline
Drug class	Biguanide
Target	AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK); mitochondrial complex I
Modality	Small molecule
Therapeutic area	Diabetes
Phase	FDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Metformin is a biguanide that primarily works by decreasing gluconeogenesis in the liver and enhancing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. It may also improve insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells and reduce intestinal glucose absorption. The drug does not stimulate insulin release, making it weight-neutral and useful across a broad range of patients.

Approved indications

Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Prediabetes (prevention of progression to type 2 diabetes)

Common side effects

Gastrointestinal disturbance (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort)
Metallic taste
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Lactic acidosis (rare, in renal impairment)

Key clinical trials

An Open Study to Evaluate Whether Pack Size Affects Compliance of Metformin Treatment in Subjects With Type II Diabetes (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 Large Pack CI brief — competitive landscape report
Metformin Large Pack updates RSS · CI watch RSS
GlaxoSmithKline portfolio CI

Frequently asked questions about Metformin Large Pack

What is Metformin Large Pack?

Metformin Large Pack is a Biguanide drug developed by GlaxoSmithKline, indicated for Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Prediabetes (prevention of progression to type 2 diabetes).

How does Metformin Large Pack work?

Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity, thereby lowering blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes.

What is Metformin Large Pack used for?

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

Who makes Metformin Large Pack?

Metformin Large Pack is developed and marketed by GlaxoSmithKline (see full GlaxoSmithKline pipeline at /company/gsk).

What drug class is Metformin Large Pack in?

Metformin Large Pack belongs to the Biguanide class. See all Biguanide drugs at /class/biguanide.

What development phase is Metformin Large Pack in?

Metformin Large Pack is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Metformin Large Pack?

Common side effects of Metformin Large Pack include Gastrointestinal disturbance (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort), Metallic taste, Vitamin B12 deficiency, Lactic acidosis (rare, in renal impairment).

What does Metformin Large Pack target?

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

Drug class: All Biguanide drugs
Target: All drugs targeting AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK); mitochondrial complex I
Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline — full pipeline
Therapeutic area: All drugs in Diabetes
Indication: Drugs for Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Indication: Drugs for Prediabetes (prevention of progression to type 2 diabetes)

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