Last reviewed · How we verify
Metformin plus folic acid
Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity, while folic acid serves as a methyl donor and cofactor for nucleotide synthesis.
Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity, while folic acid serves as a methyl donor and cofactor for DNA synthesis and homocysteine metabolism. Used for Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Prevention of B12 deficiency and homocysteine elevation in metformin-treated patients.
At a glance
| Generic name | Metformin plus folic acid |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University Magna Graecia |
| Drug class | Antidiabetic agent with vitamin supplement |
| Target | AMPK (metformin); folate receptors and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (folic acid) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Endocrinology / Diabetes |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Metformin is a biguanide that decreases gluconeogenesis and enhances peripheral glucose uptake, primarily through AMPK activation and mitochondrial effects. Folic acid supplementation addresses potential metformin-induced B12 malabsorption and supports one-carbon metabolism, which may reduce homocysteine levels and support cellular methylation reactions. This combination is used to optimize glycemic control while mitigating metformin-associated micronutrient depletion.
Approved indications
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal disturbance (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort)
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Lactic acidosis (rare)
- Metallic taste
Key clinical trials
- Effects of Myo-inositol in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (NA)
- Metformin Plus Modified FOLFOX 6 in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer (PHASE2)
- Reducing Plasma Glucose Effect of Cinnamon in Type 2 Diabetic Patients in the Municipality of Comasagua (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Comparison of Myoinositol and Metformin in PCO (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Involvement of Reticulum Endoplasmic Stress in the Physiopathology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (NA)
- Metformin Treatment of Pregnant Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Pilot Study (PHASE2)
- Effect of Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 Supplementation in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Metformin for Prevention Gestational Diabetes in Pregnant Women With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (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 plus folic acid CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Metformin plus folic acid updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University Magna Graecia portfolio CI