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Pioglitazone and Metformin
Pioglitazone improves insulin sensitivity by activating PPAR-γ, while metformin reduces hepatic glucose production and improves peripheral insulin sensitivity, together lowering blood glucose in type 2 diabetes.
Pioglitazone improves insulin sensitivity by activating PPAR-γ, while metformin reduces hepatic glucose production and improves peripheral insulin sensitivity, together lowering blood glucose in type 2 diabetes. Used for Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
At a glance
| Generic name | Pioglitazone and Metformin |
|---|---|
| Also known as | ACTOS®, AD-4833, ACTOPLUS MET, Actos, AD-4833XT |
| Sponsor | Takeda |
| Drug class | Thiazolidinedione + Biguanide combination |
| Target | PPAR-γ (pioglitazone); Complex I of mitochondrial respiratory chain (metformin) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Diabetes |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione that binds to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) in adipose tissue and muscle, enhancing insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. Metformin is a biguanide that decreases hepatic gluconeogenesis and improves insulin-mediated glucose utilization in peripheral tissues. The combination addresses multiple pathophysiologic defects in type 2 diabetes through complementary mechanisms.
Approved indications
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Common side effects
- Weight gain
- Fluid retention / edema
- Hypoglycemia
- Gastrointestinal disturbance (metformin-related)
- Headache
- Upper respiratory tract infection
Key clinical trials
- The Effect of Alogliptin Combined With Actoplus Met on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism and Pancreatic Function in Patients With T2DM Complicated With MAFLD (PHASE4)
- A Study to Evaluate the Effect of add-on Pioglitazone or Dapagliflozin in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Inadequately Controlled by DPP-4 Inhibitor and Metformin Therapy (PHASE4)
- Effect of Pioglitazone vs Metformin on Clinical, Biochemical and Hormonal Parameters of Insulin Resistant PCOS (NA)
- Comparative Effectiveness of Two Initial Combination Therapies in Patients With Recent Onset Diabetes (PHASE3)
- Oral Anti Diabetic Agents in the Hospital (PHASE4)
- Impact of Pharmacogenetic-Guided Treatment on Type 2 Diabetes. (PHASE4)
- A Pragmatic Randomized Trial to Evaluate the Comparative Effectiveness Between Dapagliflozin and Standard of Care in Type 2 Diabetes Patients (PHASE4)
- Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Four Second Line Pharmacological Strategies in Type 2 Diabetes Study
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:
- Pioglitazone and Metformin CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Pioglitazone and Metformin updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Takeda portfolio CI