Metformin versus febuxostat for gout in obese non-diabetic patients

Comparative Clinical and Biochemical Study Evaluating the Effectiveness of Metformin Versus Febuxostate on Gouty Obese Non-Diabetic Patients

Phase 2 Interventional Tanta University · NCT06995339

This study will test whether metformin or febuxostat better lowers uric acid and improves gout-related outcomes in obese people who do not have diabetes.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorTanta University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Damietta, New Damietta)
Trial IDNCT06995339 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This Phase 2 interventional trial compares oral metformin with oral febuxostat in people with gout and obesity, measuring clinical and biochemical outcomes such as serum uric acid and gout flares. Participants will receive one of the two medications and be followed over the treatment period for changes in uric acid, frequency of attacks, and metabolic markers. The trial excludes people with diabetes and excludes pregnant or lactating women, and is conducted at a site in New Damietta, Egypt. The protocol text includes contradictory age and BMI statements that should be clarified before enrollment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: People with gout who are obese (BMI ≥30), do not have diabetes, and are not pregnant or breastfeeding are the intended participants.

Not a fit: Patients with diabetes, non-obese individuals, pregnant or lactating women, and those with drug-induced hyperuricemia are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the comparison could identify an effective treatment approach that lowers uric acid and reduces gout attacks in obese non-diabetic patients.

How similar studies have performed: Febuxostat is an established urate-lowering drug with prior success, while using metformin specifically for gout is relatively novel with limited prior evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Males or females aged \< 18 years.
* All patients are diagnosed to have gout with serum uric acid \< 7 mg/dl.
* All patients are diagnosed to have obesity with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2.

Exclusion Criteria:

* The presence of any type of diabetes mellitus.
* Patients with drug-induced hyperuriceamia (those taking anti-TB agents, low dose aspirin, cytotoxic chemotherapy, diuretics, immunosuppressants, fructose, lactate infusion, testosterone or xylitol).
* Non-obese patients with BMI \>30 kg/m2.
* Pregnant or lactating women.

Where this trial is running

Damietta, New Damietta

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Gout
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.