Can metformin or hydroxyurea cut transfusions for thalassemia patients?

NCT ID NCT06606886

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Bahria University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This completed Phase 4 trial tested two drugs—hydroxyurea and metformin—in 96 people with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia. Participants took one of the two drugs for a year. Researchers measured changes in fetal hemoglobin levels and how often blood transfusions were needed. The goal was to see if either drug could reduce transfusion dependence and improve quality of life.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: hydroxyurea and metformin
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that metformin or hydroxyurea reduces the need for blood transfusions in people with beta-thalassemia, potentially improving quality of life.
What could go wrong: This is a small, single-center trial with 96 participants. Results may not apply to all patients, and side effects from these drugs can occur. The study is completed but findings are not yet widely confirmed.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

beta thalassemia beta-thalassemia major

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

TRANSFUSION-DEPENDENT BETA-THALASSEMIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Bahria University Health Sciences Campus

Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

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