Using metformin to help manage asthma in overweight and obese individuals
Official title: Metformin IN Asthma for overweight and obese individuals (MINA)
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10930872 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether metformin, a diabetes medication, can help improve asthma symptoms in overweight and obese people, and it will involve a six-month trial where some participants will take the medication while others will take a placebo, all while making it easy for people to join from home.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $242,120 |
| NIH project number | 5R34HL166438-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930872 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are overweight or obese individuals aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with asthma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or obese or those without a physician-diagnosed asthma condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential benefits of metformin, a medication commonly used for type 2 diabetes, in treating asthma among overweight and obese individuals. The study will involve a six-month trial where participants will be randomly assigned to receive either metformin or a placebo, with the aim of assessing the feasibility of remote participation in the trial. Researchers will focus on how metformin may reduce asthma symptoms and improve overall respiratory health in this population. Participants will be recruited from two major medical centers, allowing for a diverse group of individuals to be involved.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for overweight and obese individuals suffering from asthma, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data from animal models and observational studies suggest that metformin may be beneficial for asthma management, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccormack, Meredith C — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Mccormack, Meredith C
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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.