Using Metformin with Ibuprofen to Treat Knee Osteoarthritis

Effect of Metformin as Add-on Therapy to Ibuprofen on Disease Activity in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Phase 2 Interventional Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh · NCT06126029

This study is testing if adding metformin to ibuprofen can help people with knee osteoarthritis feel better and improve their condition.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment68 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorBangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dhaka)
Trial IDNCT06126029 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of metformin as an add-on therapy to ibuprofen in patients with knee osteoarthritis. It is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study where participants will receive either metformin or a placebo alongside standard care. The primary focus is to assess the impact of metformin on disease activity and interleukin-6 levels in individuals with grade II-III knee osteoarthritis. The trial aims to provide insights into whether metformin can enhance the treatment outcomes for patients already receiving ibuprofen.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with knee pain and radiographic evidence of grade II-III knee osteoarthritis.

Not a fit: Patients with diabetes, systemic inflammatory conditions, or those who have recently undergone knee surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved management of knee osteoarthritis symptoms and enhanced quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the combination of metformin with ibuprofen is a novel approach, previous studies have shown potential benefits of metformin in inflammatory conditions, suggesting a promising avenue for exploration.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with knee pain
* Radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis (Grade II-III)
* Age 18-65 years
* Both male and female
* Normal BMI(for asians): 18.5-22.9 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed case of Diabetes Mellitus, renal, hepatic, cardiovascular or pulmonary disease
* Diagnosed case of Gout or pseudogout
* Diagnosed case of systemic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease
* Patients currently receiving immunosuppressant, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors(topiramate), ranolazine, vandetanib, dolutegravir
* History of receiving a corticosteroid injection in the last three months
* Prior history of knee trauma or surgery
* Metformin use or history of use in the last two months
* Known allergy to metformin
* History of lactic acidosis
* Patient with habit of excessive alcohol intake
* Pregnancy
* Patients unwilling to participate or unwilling to give written consent
* Participation in another clinical trial

Where this trial is running

Dhaka

Study contacts

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 Knee OsteoarthritisMetformin
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.