Could a common diabetes drug protect eyesight in stargardt disease?
NCT ID NCT04545736
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study tests whether metformin, a widely used diabetes drug, can safely slow vision loss in people with ABCA4 retinopathy (Stargardt disease). Fifty-five participants aged 12 and older will take metformin by mouth for 24 months, with regular eye exams to track changes. The goal is to see if the drug reduces the rate of retinal damage.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
metformin (a common diabetes drug)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a treatment that slows vision loss in people with ABCA4 retinopathy.
What could go wrong
This is an early-phase trial with only 55 people, so results may not apply to everyone. Metformin can cause stomach upset and other side effects.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States
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University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-0624, United States