Diabetes drug metformin tested for fragile x symptoms

NCT ID NCT03862950

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

Summary

This study tested whether metformin, a common diabetes medication, can help improve language, behavior, and weight problems in people with fragile X syndrome. 125 participants aged 6 to 35 took either metformin or a placebo for 4 months. Researchers measured changes in language skills and behavior to see if the drug made a difference.

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 treatment to improve language and behavior and reduce obesity in people with fragile X syndrome.
What could go wrong
This is a phase 2 trial with only 125 participants, so results may not be conclusive. Metformin is a diabetes drug, and its benefits for fragile X syndrome are not yet proven.

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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

Locations

  • CHU Sainte-Justine

    Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1C5, Canada

  • University of Alberta

    Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1, Canada

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