Could a diabetes drug gel ease knee arthritis pain?

NCT ID NCT07395895

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether applying metformin gel through the skin with a mild electric current (iontophoresis) plus physical therapy can reduce pain and improve function in postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis. Sixty-eight women aged 50-70 will receive either the active gel or a placebo gel, alongside standard physical therapy. The trial is double-blind, meaning neither participants nor researchers know who gets the real treatment.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

metformin gel

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a new, non-invasive way to reduce pain and improve mobility in postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial with only 68 participants. The treatment may not prove more effective than placebo, and results may not apply to men or younger women.

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.

osteoarthritis osteoarthritis, knee

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

  • Badr University in Cairo

    Cairo, 11829, Egypt

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