Could a common diabetes drug boost brain power in schizophrenia?

NCT ID NCT05838573

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Central South University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 1 time

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.

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.

Cognitive Dysfunction schizophrenia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SCHIZOPHRENIA

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

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