Could a common diabetes drug ease leg pain for millions?

NCT ID NCT05132439

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether metformin, a standard diabetes drug, can improve walking ability in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) who experience leg pain during activity. Researchers will give 200 Veterans either metformin or a placebo for several months and measure changes in walking distance. The goal is to find a safe, effective treatment for a condition that currently has few options.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Metformin (extended-release)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a safe, affordable treatment to help people with PAD walk farther and have less leg pain.
What could go wrong: This is still an early-stage test in a specific group (Veterans), and metformin may not improve walking more than a placebo. Side effects like stomach upset are possible.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

atherosclerosis intermittent vascular claudication peripheral arterial disease

As listed by the trial registrant

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

INTERMITTENT CLAUDICATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System University Drive Division, Pittsburgh, PA
RECRUITING

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15240, United States

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