Nationwide Trials Test Diabetes Drug Metformin for Anti-Aging Benefits

Researchers have launched nationwide clinical trials to examine whether the common diabetes drug metformin can delay the onset of age-related diseases such as cancer, dementia, and heart disease in older adults. The trials, collectively known as the TAME (Targeting Aging with Metformin) Trial, aim to enroll approximately 3,000 participants between the ages of 65 and 79 across 14 research institutions in the United States.

Metformin, which has been used for decades to treat Type 2 diabetes, has shown promise in observational studies suggesting that people taking the drug for diabetes may have a lower risk of developing certain age-related conditions. The drug has anti-inflammatory effects and is relatively inexpensive, costing less than a dollar under some insurance plans.

The goal of the TAME Trial is to determine if metformin can prevent or delay the onset of these diseases in healthy older adults, not just those with diabetes. By enrolling a diverse group of participants, researchers hope to gather definitive evidence on whether metformin can increase lifespan and overall health in the aging population.

Why this matters: If the TAME Trial demonstrates that metformin can effectively delay the onset of age-related diseases, it could have significant implications for public health and healthcare costs. With an aging global population, finding ways to promote healthy aging and reduce the burden of chronic diseases is becoming increasingly important.

The trials are expected to last around six years, with researchers closely monitoring participants for any signs of the targeted age-related diseases. While the results are not expected for several years, scientists are hopeful that the clinical trials will provide a clearer picture of metformin's potential as an anti-aging intervention.

Dr. Nir Barzilai, one of the lead researchers and the director of the Institute for Aging Research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, emphasized the importance of the trials, stating, "If we can show that metformin can delay aging and age-related diseases, it would be a major breakthrough in our understanding of the aging process and how we can intervene."

Key Takeaways

• Nationwide trials to test if diabetes drug metformin delays age-related diseases.
• Metformin has shown promise in observational studies for reducing disease risk.
• TAME Trial aims to enroll 3,000 participants aged 65-79 across 14 US institutions.
• Potential to promote healthy aging and reduce chronic disease burden if successful.
• Trials expected to last 6 years, with results providing insights on metformin's anti-aging effects.