Exploring Metformin for Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Metformin as a novel, mechanistic treatment of fibromyalgia; a proof of concept RCT
This project explores if a common diabetes medicine, metformin, can help people with fibromyalgia feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11076239 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition with no cure, and current treatments only help about half of those affected. This pilot clinical trial will test if a low dose of metformin, a medication typically used for diabetes, can improve pain and other symptoms in people with fibromyalgia. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either metformin or a placebo, and neither they nor the researchers will know which treatment they are receiving. The goal is to see if metformin can reduce discomfort by affecting specific pathways in the body, potentially offering a new way to manage this condition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome who experience chronic pain and other related symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients without a fibromyalgia diagnosis or those who do not experience the associated chronic pain and symptoms would likely not benefit from this specific treatment approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a new, effective treatment option for people living with fibromyalgia.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies in animal models have shown promising results for metformin in reducing pain, but its effectiveness in human fibromyalgia patients is still being tested in this proof-of-concept trial.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taylor, Norman — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Taylor, Norman
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.