Could a common diabetes drug help repair MS damage in kids?

NCT ID NCT04121468

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: The Hospital for Sick Children Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether metformin, a widely used diabetes drug, is safe and feasible for children and young adults (ages 10-25) with multiple sclerosis. Participants take metformin daily for 3 to 9 months, with the start time randomly assigned. The main goal is to see if the drug can help repair nerve damage in the eye, which may indicate broader benefits for the brain.

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 way to repair nerve damage in young people with MS, potentially slowing disease progression.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small trial (20 people) focused on safety and feasibility, not effectiveness. Metformin is not proven for MS, and side effects are possible.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

multiple sclerosis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, MS

Contacts and locations

Locations

The Hospital for Sick Children
RECRUITING

Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada

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