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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Ziauddin University
Karachi, Sindh, 74700, Pakistan