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Metformin

Generic Name
Metformin
Brand Names
Actoplus Met, Avandamet, Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucovance, Glumetza, Glycon, Invokamet, Janumet, Jentadueto, Kazano, Kombiglyze, Komboglyze, Qternmet, Riomet, Segluromet, Synjardy, Trijardy, Velmetia, Xigduo, Sitagliptin / Metformin hydrochloride Accord, Vildagliptin / Metformin hydrochloride Accord, Vokanamet, Sitagliptin / Metformin hydrochloride Mylan, Efficib
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C4H11N5
CAS Number
657-24-9
Unique Ingredient Identifier
9100L32L2N

Overview

Metformin is a biguanide antihyperglycemic agent and first-line pharmacotherapy used in the management of type II diabetes. Metformin is considered an antihyperglycemic drug because it lowers blood glucose concentrations in type II diabetes without causing hypoglycemia. It is commonly described as an "insulin sensitizer", leading to a decrease in insulin resistance and a clinically significant reduction of plasma fasting insulin levels. Another well-known benefit of this drug is modest weight loss, making it an effective choice for obese patients type II diabetes. Metformin was first approved in Canada in 1972, and received subsequent FDA approval in the US in 1995.

Background

Metformin is a biguanide antihyperglycemic agent and first-line pharmacotherapy used in the management of type II diabetes. Metformin is considered an antihyperglycemic drug because it lowers blood glucose concentrations in type II diabetes without causing hypoglycemia. It is commonly described as an "insulin sensitizer", leading to a decrease in insulin resistance and a clinically significant reduction of plasma fasting insulin levels. Another well-known benefit of this drug is modest weight loss, making it an effective choice for obese patients type II diabetes. Metformin was first approved in Canada in 1972, and received subsequent FDA approval in the US in 1995.

Indication

Metformin immediate-release formulations Metformin is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients ≥10 years old with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metformin extended-release tablet (XR) The extended-release formulation of metformin is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Safety in children has not been determined to this date. Metformin combination products Metformin is a component of a variety of combination products with other anti-diabetic agents. It is indicated, along with diet and exercise, to improve glycemic control in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in combination with DPP-4 inhibitors (sitagliptin, linagliptin, alogliptin, or saxagliptin), in combination with SGLT2 inhibitors (canagliflozin, empagliflozin, ertugliflozin, or dapagliflozin), or in combination with pioglitazone.

Associated Conditions

  • Cardiovascular Mortality
  • End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
  • Hospitalizations
  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
  • Decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate

Research Report

Published: May 14, 2025

Metformin Report

Name: Metformin Name (English): Metformin DrugBank ID: DB00331 Type: Small Molecule CAS Number: 657-24-9

General Information: Metformin is an oral antihyperglycemic agent of the biguanide class, primarily used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is often considered the first-line medication for this condition, especially in overweight individuals. Metformin can also be used off-label for insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Pharmacology: Metformin works by:

  • Decreasing hepatic glucose production.
  • Increasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues.
  • Improving glucose uptake and utilization.
  • Increasing GDF15 secretion, which reduces appetite and caloric intake.

Indications:

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults and pediatric patients ≥10 years old, as an adjunct to diet and exercise.
  • May be used as a second-line agent for infertility in women with PCOS.
  • Investigational use for other conditions such as type 1 diabetes, obesity, and various cancers is ongoing.

Dosage and Administration: Dosage varies depending on the formulation (immediate-release or extended-release) and individual patient needs. It is typically taken with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Contraindications:

  • Severe renal impairment (eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73 m²)
  • Hypersensitivity to metformin
  • Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis

Continue reading the full research report

Clinical Trials

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Title
Posted
Study ID
Phase
Status
Sponsor
2023/02/23
Not Applicable
Completed
2023/02/23
N/A
Completed
Pasquale Mone
2023/02/10
Phase 3
Completed
2023/02/01
Phase 3
Active, not recruiting
2023/01/27
Phase 4
Recruiting
2023/01/23
Phase 1
Completed
Shanghai Yinnuo Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd.
2023/01/11
Phase 4
Recruiting
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
2023/01/11
Phase 3
Completed
2022/12/23
Phase 4
Completed
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar
2022/12/19
Phase 4
Not yet recruiting

FDA Approved Products

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Product Name
Manufacturer
Route
Strength
Approved
NDC Code
Physicians Total Care, Inc.
ORAL
500 mg in 1 1
2011/12/20
54868-5148
ORAL
500 mg in 1 1
2021/11/24
67877-217
Granules Pharmaceuticals Inc.
ORAL
850 mg in 1 1
2023/08/09
70010-064
ORAL
500 mg in 1 1
2024/01/15
70518-3599
A-S Medication Solutions
ORAL
500 mg in 1 1
2018/08/02
50090-0771
ORAL
1000 mg in 1 1
2022/11/03
71610-673
Physicians Total Care, Inc.
ORAL
500 mg in 1 1
2011/12/20
54868-5243
ORAL
500 mg in 1 1
2022/06/23
25000-101
ORAL
850 mg in 1 1
2010/08/09
53808-0717
ORAL
1000 mg in 1 1
2023/09/26
43063-544

EMA Approved Products

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Medicine Name
EMA Number
Auth. Holder
Country
Drug Type
Status
Issued
Opinion
Revision

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No EMA products found for this drug

HSA Approved Products

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Product Name
Manufacturer
Dosage Form
Strength
Approved
Approval No.

No HSA products found

No HSA products found for this drug

NMPA Approved Products

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Product Name
Approval No.
Manufacturer
Dosage Form
Trade Name
Strength
Type
Status
Date
Import
国药准字HJ20200040
片剂
N/A
0.5g
Chemical Drug
Approved
2020/09/30
Import
国药准字H20227136
片剂
N/A
0.25g
Chemical Drug
Approved
2022/10/18
Domestic
国药准字H20203366
片剂
N/A
0.85g
Chemical Drug
Approved
2020/07/29
Domestic
国药准字H41024137
片剂
N/A
0.25g
Chemical Drug
Approved
2020/01/14
Domestic
国药准字H20203661
片剂
N/A
1.0g
Chemical Drug
Approved
2020/12/08
Domestic
国药准字H14020843
片剂
N/A
0.25g
Chemical Drug
Approved
2020/04/10
Domestic
国药准字H20184130
片剂
N/A
0.25g
Chemical Drug
Approved
2023/09/13
Domestic
国药准字H21022377
片剂
N/A
0.25g
Chemical Drug
Approved
2020/06/15
Domestic
国药准字H11020596
片剂(薄膜衣)
N/A
0.25g
Chemical Drug
Approved
2020/12/04
Domestic
国药准字H31021359
片剂
N/A
0.25g
Chemical Drug
Approved
2019/11/26
Domestic

PPB Approved Products

Product Name
Registration Code
Company
Category
Sale Type
Reg. Date
HK-59044
Part 1, Schedule 1 & Schedule 3 Poison
POM
2009/12/30
HK-64639
wilcome pharmaceutical co ltd
Part 1, Schedule 1 & Schedule 3 Poison
POM
2016/08/08
HK-68391
CHEMILL PHARMA LIMITED
Part 1, Schedule 1 & Schedule 3 Poison
POM
2024/10/09
HK-61966
boehringer ingelheim (hk) ltd
Part 1, Schedule 1 & Schedule 3 Poison
POM
2013/05/20
HK-68568
Sandoz Hong Kong Limited
Part 1, Schedule 1 & Schedule 3 Poison
POM
2025/02/13
HK-35641
HOVID LIMITED
Part 1, Schedule 1 & Schedule 3 Poison
POM
1992/01/24
HK-65020
boehringer ingelheim (hk) ltd
Part 1, Schedule 1 & Schedule 3 Poison
POM
2017/03/03
HK-65243
MERCK PHARMACEUTICAL (HK) LIMITED
Part 1, Schedule 1 & Schedule 3 Poison
POM
2017/07/04
HK-64949
hitpharm pharmaceutical co ltd
Part 1, Schedule 1 & Schedule 3 Poison
POM
2017/01/11
HK-65019
boehringer ingelheim (hk) ltd
Part 1, Schedule 1 & Schedule 3 Poison
POM
2017/03/03

TGA Approved Products

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Product Name
ARTG ID
Sponsor
Status
Reg. Date
Ingredient
386882
Active
2023/04/06
metformin hydrochloride
335859
Active
2020/06/23
metformin hydrochloride
40806
Active
1992/08/13
metformin hydrochloride
149021
Active
2009/04/30
metformin hydrochloride
100285
Active
2004/11/15
metformin hydrochloride
91112
Active
2002/10/31
metformin hydrochloride
197403
Active
2013/01/25
metformin hydrochloride
211295
Active
2014/07/18
metformin hydrochloride
232648
Active
2015/09/10
metformin hydrochloride
324039
Pharmacor Pty Ltd
Active
2020/10/16
metformin hydrochloride
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