Old diabetes drug, new hope: could metformin stop myeloma before it starts?

NCT ID NCT04850846

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

Summary

This phase 2 trial is testing whether metformin, a widely used diabetes medication, can prevent progression to multiple myeloma in 60 people with early blood disorders called MGUS and smoldering multiple myeloma. Participants receive either extended-release metformin or a placebo pill daily for up to 3 years. Researchers will track changes in blood protein levels and other markers to see if the drug slows or stops the disease.

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 point toward a simple, low-cost way to prevent multiple myeloma in people with early blood abnormalities.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 60 participants. It may not show a clear benefit, and metformin's effect on cancer progression is still unproven.

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.

monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance Smoldering Multiple Myeloma smoldering plasma cell myeloma plasma cell myeloma prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

  • DF/ BWCC in Clinical Affiliation with South Shore Hospital

    Weymouth, Massachusetts, 02190, United States

  • Dana Farber Cancer Institute

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

  • Dana-Farber at Brighton

    Brighton, Massachusetts, 02135, United States

  • Dana-Farber at Merrimack Valley

    Methuen, Massachusetts, 01844, United States

  • Dana-Farber at Milford

    Milford, Massachusetts, 01757, United States

  • Dana-Farber at NHOH

    Londonderry, New Hampshire, 35053, United States