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.

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.

acute kidney injury infectious disease with sepsis Sepsis toxic shock syndrome

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