Clinical trial Recruiting at 18 sites Phase 3 Interventional Ages 18 and up Women only

Using Metformin to Extend Pregnancy in Women with Preterm Preeclampsia

Official title: Preeclampsia Intervention 4 - A Triple Blind Phase III Randomised Controlled Trial Assessing Metformin to Prolong Gestation in Preterm Preeclampsia

Run by Sahlgrenska University Hospital · NCT06033131 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if the diabetes drug metformin can help women with preterm preeclampsia have longer pregnancies and healthier babies.

More Preeclampsia trials

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexWomen only
Enrollment294 (estimated)
SponsorSahlgrenska University Hospital
Academic / other
Locations18 sites (Helsinki and 17 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 19, 2024
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2027
Study endsDecember 31, 2029
Registry record updatedSeptember 28, 2026
Trial IDNCT06033131 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women aged 18 and older, diagnosed with preeclampsia between 22 and 33 weeks of gestation, and carrying a singleton fetus.

Probably not a fit

Patients with type 1 diabetes, contraindications to metformin, or those requiring immediate delivery due to severe preeclampsia will not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the use of metformin, a diabetes medication, to prolong gestation in women diagnosed with preterm preeclampsia. The study is a multi-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial conducted in Sweden, aiming to assess whether metformin can delay delivery, improve neonatal outcomes, and increase birth weight. Participants will receive either metformin extended release or a placebo, with outcomes measured in terms of gestational prolongation and neonatal health metrics. The trial builds on previous findings that suggest metformin may modify the disease's progression.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve outcomes for mothers and their babies by prolonging pregnancy and reducing neonatal complications.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies, such as the Preeclampsia Intervention 2 trial, have shown promising results with metformin in delaying delivery in early preterm preeclampsia, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* A diagnosis of preeclampsia (defined as hypertension in combination with significant proteinuria (albumin/creatinine ratio \>8 mg/mmol, protein/creatinine ratio\>30 mg/mmol or \>2+ protein on a urinary dipstick) has been made by the attending clinician
* The managing clinicians have made the assessment to proceed with expectant management.
* The subject has given written consent to participate in the study.
* The woman must be 18 years of age or older
* The gestational age is between 22+0 weeks to 33+6 weeks with a viable fetus
* The woman carries a singleton pregnancy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindications to treatment with metformin as outlined in SmPC
* Contraindications for expectant management of preeclampsia such as an immediate indication for delivery according to SFOG guidelines for preeclampsia (https://www.sfog.se/media/338533/pe-riktlinje-230214.pdf).
* Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
* Current use of metformin
* Known or suspected allergies against metformin
* Reluctance or language difficulties that result in difficulty understanding the meaning of study participation
* Unable to understand the informed consent process
* Previous participation in the study
* Established fetal compromise that necessitates imminent delivery (including planned delivery after 48 hours of corticosteroid treatment). This will be decided by the clinical team before expectant management is offered to the patient.
* Suspicion of a major known fetal anomaly or malformation.
* Renal disease or dysfunction, suggested by a creatinine level greater than or equal to 125 µmol/L or rapidly declining renal function
* Known acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis
* Not suitable for inclusion by the opinion of the investigator

Where it's running

  • Helsinki University Hospital
    Helsinki, Finland
    Recruiting
  • Tampere University Hospital
    Tampere, Finland
    Recruiting
  • Akershus University Hospital
    Lørenskog, Norway
    Recruiting
  • Oslo University Hospital
    Oslo, Norway
    Recruiting
  • Södra Älvsborgs Hospital
    Borås, Sweden
    Recruiting
  • Falu Lasarett
    Falun, Sweden
    Recruiting
Show 12 more locations
  • Sahlgrenska University Hospital
    Gothenburg, Sweden
    Recruiting
  • Linköping University Hospital
    Linköping, Sweden
    Recruiting
  • Skåne University Hospital
    Lund, Sweden
    Recruiting
  • Skåne University Hospital
    Malmö, Sweden
    Recruiting
  • Skaraborg Hospital
    Skövde, Sweden
    Recruiting
  • Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge
    Stockholm, Sweden
    Recruiting
  • Karolinska University Hospital Solna
    Stockholm, Sweden
    Recruiting
  • Danderyd Hospital
    Stockholm, Sweden
    Recruiting
  • Norra Älvsborgs County Hospital
    Trollhättan, Sweden
    Recruiting
  • Norrland´s University Hospital
    Umeå, Sweden
    Recruiting
  • Uppsala University Hospital
    Uppsala, Sweden
    Recruiting
  • Västmanlands Hospital Västerås
    Västerås, Sweden
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Lina Bergman, Associate professor — Sahlgrenska University Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Lina Bergman, Associate Professor
  • Email: lina.bergman@obgyn.gu.se
  • Phone: 0046-3134307

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.