Synonyms: Glucophage® | LA-6023
metformin is an approved drug (FDA (1995))
Compound class:
Synthetic organic
Comment: Marketed formulations contain metformin hydrochloride (PubChem CID 14219). Metformin is often given in fixed-dose combinations with other antihyperglycemic agents.
Repurposing: Cancer cells undergo a metabolic switch to aerobic glycolysis, and become reliant on this metabolic pathway for energy (the Warburg effect). Inhibition of the glycolytic pathway is therefore considered as a tractable therapeutic target in oncology. As metformin is an inhibitor of glycolysis it is being examined for anti-cancer effects in a number of malignancies. Similarly, it is being examined for anti-inflammatory potential since activated immune cells also undergo a metabolic switch to aerobic glycolysis. If found to be effective, this could ultimately lead to metformin being repurposed for indications other than type 2 diabetes. View more information in the IUPHAR Pharmacology Education Project: metformin |
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