Could a common diabetes drug ease muscle problems in Steinert's disease?

NCT ID NCT05532813

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 3 trial is testing whether metformin, a common diabetes drug, can improve muscle function in adults with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (Steinert's disease). The study will enroll 142 participants who will receive either metformin or a placebo for 6 months. Researchers will measure changes in motor function, strength, and quality of life.

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 muscle function and quality of life in people with myotonic dystrophy type 1.

What could go wrong

This is a phase 3 trial, but metformin is already used for diabetes; its benefit for muscle function in this disease is unproven. Side effects like digestive issues or rare lactic acidosis are possible.

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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for MYOTONIC DYSTROPHY 1 are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

myotonic dystrophy myotonic dystrophy type 1

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Neurology Department, Raymond-Poincaré hospital - APHP

    RECRUITING

    Garches, 92380, France