Could a common diabetes drug help kidneys in sepsis?

NCT ID NCT05900284

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

Summary

This study tested whether metformin, a common diabetes drug, is safe and practical to use for treating acute kidney injury caused by sepsis. Researchers gave low-dose metformin to 80 ICU patients with sepsis and kidney injury, monitoring for side effects and feasibility. The goal was to gather data for a larger future trial.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
metformin (low dose)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could point toward a new treatment for kidney injury in sepsis patients, potentially reducing deaths.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial focused on safety and feasibility, not effectiveness. Metformin may cause side effects like low blood sugar or lactic acidosis in critically ill patients.

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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

  • University of Pittsburgh

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15261, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.