Could diabetes drug metformin help reverse mouth scarring?
NCT ID NCT06871904
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This completed Phase 1/2 trial tested whether metformin (a diabetes drug) and pirfenidone (an anti-scarring drug) can reduce fibrosis in people with oral submucous fibrosis, a condition that causes mouth stiffness and raises cancer risk. 45 participants received either metformin, pirfenidone, or supportive care for 6 months. Researchers measured changes in mouth opening, pain, and molecular markers of scarring.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Metformin and Pirfenidone
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could provide an affordable, repurposed drug treatment for oral submucous fibrosis, reducing scarring and lowering cancer risk.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-phase trial with only 45 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The drugs may cause side effects or fail to show significant improvement.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
-
Ziauddin University
Karachi, Sindh, 74700, Pakistan
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.