Diabetes drug cream shows promise for treating stubborn facial melasma

NCT ID NCT07485777

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Foundation University Islamabad Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compares a cream made from the diabetes drug metformin to the standard Kligman's regimen for treating melasma, a common skin condition causing dark patches on the face. About 82 women aged 35-55 will apply one of the two creams nightly for 8 weeks, along with sunscreen. Researchers will measure how much the dark patches fade and track side effects like redness or burning.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: topical 30% metformin cream
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new, gentler option for treating melasma with fewer side effects than standard therapy.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 82 participants. Metformin cream is not yet proven for melasma, and results may not apply to all skin types or ages.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Melanosis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MELASMA MELASMA (FACIAL MELASMA)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, 44000, Pakistan

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