Could a common diabetes drug protect eyesight in stargardt disease?

NCT ID NCT04545736

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: National Eye Institute (NEI) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 5 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.

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.

ABCA4-related retinopathy inherited retinal dystrophy retinal degeneration Stargardt disease

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ABCA4 RETINOPATHY RETINAL DEGENERATION RETINAL DYSTROPHY STARGARDT DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States
University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-0624, United States

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