Could a common diabetes drug boost brain power in schizophrenia?

NCT ID NCT05838573

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

Summary

This study tested whether metformin, a drug used for diabetes, can improve cognitive problems in people with schizophrenia. 120 participants took either metformin or a placebo for 24 weeks. Researchers measured changes in thinking skills and brain scans to see if metformin helps.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

metformin

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a new way to help with thinking and memory problems in people with schizophrenia.

What could go wrong

This is a completed phase 3 trial, but results are not yet reported. Metformin is generally safe, but it may not improve cognition, and the effect may be small.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

Cognitive Dysfunction schizophrenia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Mental Health Institute of Second Xiangya Hospital,CSU

    Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China

  • Shandong Mental Health Center

    Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China

  • The Second People's Hospital of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture

    Dali, Yunnan, 671014, China

  • The Third Peoples's Hospital of Jiangyin

    Jiangyin, Jiangsu, 214400, China