Could a common diabetes drug protect the brain in Huntington's?
NCT ID NCT04826692
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether metformin, a widely used diabetes drug, can slow the loss of thinking skills in people with Huntington's disease. Sixty adults took either metformin or a placebo for one year. Researchers measured changes in memory, attention, and other cognitive functions using standard tests.
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, metformin could offer a safe, affordable way to slow cognitive decline in Huntington's disease.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial. Metformin is not a cure, and it may not improve thinking or memory. Results may not apply to all patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 3
Large-scale testing in a bigger group. Usually the last step before a treatment can be approved.
- Participants
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60 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Apr 2022
- Finished
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Jun 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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21 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Symptomatic positive clinical diagnosis of Huntington disease. 2. Presence of 36 CAG repeats (or more) in the hunting gene based on centralized CAG analysis. 3. Men or women between 21-65 years of age, inclusive, with an onset of HD at 18 years of age or older. 4. Women of childbearing potential (women who are not postmenopausal children or who have not undergone surgical sterilization at times) will need to be using a contraceptive method for 30 days before beginning study treatment, and will have contact with at least two methods of birth control throughout the duration of the study and up to 30 days after taking the last dose of treatment. 5. A sum of \> 4 points on the UHDRS-TMS scale and a diagnostic confidence level of 4. 6. Scale of independence ≥ 75%. 7. Score on the UHDRS-TFC scale ≥ 8 at the screening visit. 8. They must be trained and willing to provide written informed consent prior to any procedure related to the study to be performed at the screening visit. Patients with a legal guardian must be determined according to local requirements. 9. They must be trained and will require taking oral medication and will need to be determined to comply with the specific study procedures. 10. They must be able to travel to the study center and, in the judgment of the investigator, demonstrate that it is probable that they can continue traveling during the study. 11. Availability and willingness of a caregiver, informant, or family member to provide information during study visits that evaluate PBA-s. It is recommended that the caregiver be someone who cares for the patient at least 2 to 3 times a week and at least 3 hours per occasion. The suitability of the caregiver must be judged by the investigator. Exclusion Criteria: 1. The participant has taken metformin in the last three months before the start of the study. 2. The participant has diabetes of any kind. 3. The participant is pregnant or lactating. 4. The participant has a medical condition other than HD (metabolism, kidney function, liver function, heart problems, etc.), or any contraindication against metformin. 5. The participant has an uncontrolled psychiatric condition. 6. Participant is allergic to metformin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine. 7. The participant has kidney problems \[creatinine clearance \<60 ml / min calculated using Cockcroft-Gault formula\] or liver problems. 8. The participant is dehydrated, from prolonged or severe diarrhea, or has vomited several times. 9. The participant has a serious infection. 10. The participant has been treated for heart failure or has recently had a heart attack, has severe circulation problems, or is having difficulty breathing. 11. The participant drinks\> 6 units / day of alcohol (alcoholism). 12. Participants diagnosed with oncological disease. 13. Participants with a suicidal propensity, with an affirmative answer in items 4 or 5 in the C-SSRS at the screening visit.
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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
Locations
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Complejo Hospitalario de Albacete
Albacete, Castille-La Mancha, 02006, Spain
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Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis
Alicante, Alicante, 03010, Spain
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Hospital General Universitario de Elche
Elche, Alicante, 03203, Spain
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Hospital Universitari Son Espases
Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, 07120, Spain
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Hospital Universitario Burgos
Burgos, Castille and León, 09006, Spain
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Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias
Oviedo, Principality of Asturias, 33011, Spain
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Hospital Universitario Mare de Déu de la Mercé
Barcelona, Barcelona, 08035, Spain
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Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal
Madrid, Madrid, 28034, Spain
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Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe
Valencia, València, 46026, Spain
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