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.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 294 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Sahlgrenska University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 18 sites (Helsinki and 17 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 19, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | September 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06033131 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
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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
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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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.