Using metformin to treat melasma in Latin American women
Oral Metformin in the Treatment of Melasma: a Prospective Trial in Latin American Women
This study is testing if the diabetes drug metformin can help reduce dark patches on the skin caused by melasma in Latin American women.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase1; Phase2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Puerto Rico Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Juan, PR) |
| Trial ID | NCT06845540 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of metformin in reducing melasma in Latin American women. Participants will take either 500 mg or 1000 mg of metformin daily for three months. The study involves two clinic visits, one at the start and one at the end, along with follow-up phone calls to monitor progress and side effects. The primary focus is to determine if metformin can improve the appearance of dark patches associated with melasma.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Latin American women aged 21 years or older with a diagnosis of epidermal or mixed melasma.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of renal or liver disease will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new option for women suffering from melasma, potentially improving their skin appearance and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of metformin for melasma is a novel approach, other studies have explored its effects on skin conditions, but this specific application remains largely untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Latin American women aged 21 years or older, diagnosed epidermal or mixed melasma Exclusion Criteria: pregnancy, breastfeeding, use of hydroquinone or tretinoin within 2 months before the study, or undergoing laser treatment, peels, microdermabrasion, or microneedling within 2 months of the study. Patients with a history of renal or liver disease, metformin allergy, diabetes, hypoglycemia, or those on medications that could interact with metformin will also be excluded.
Where this trial is running
San Juan, PR
- Administración de Servicios Médicos (ASEM) Clinicas Externas — San Juan, Pr, Puerto Rico (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Cristina Brau — University of Puerto Rico
- Study coordinator: Cristina Brau
- Email: cbrau@skinbybrau.com
- Phone: 787-758-2525
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.