Could a common diabetes drug help fight TB in HIV patients?

NCT ID NCT04930744

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University of Massachusetts, Worcester Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study looked at whether adding metformin, a diabetes drug, to standard tuberculosis (TB) treatment is safe and tolerable for people also living with HIV. 112 adults with TB and HIV took either standard TB medicines alone or with metformin for 11 weeks. Researchers monitored side effects, drug levels, and lung function to see if the combination works better.

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 safer, faster TB treatment for people with HIV, reducing lung damage.
What could go wrong: This is a small Phase 2 trial, so results may not apply to everyone. Adding metformin could cause side effects or not improve outcomes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

coinfection HIV infectious disease pulmonary tuberculosis tuberculosis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HIV COINFECTION PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS TUBERCULOSIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Isango Lethemba TB Research Unit

Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Tembisa Clinical Research Centre-The Aurum Institute

Johannesburg, Gauteng, 1632, South Africa

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