2016 Clinical Trial Set to Assess Anti-Aging Properties of Common Diabetes Drug
In 2016, scientists are slated to begin a 5-year clinical trial investigating the anti-aging properties of the diabetes drug, metformin. Prior long-term studies—in particular, a 5-year study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism—have demonstrated its ability to delay the onset of age-related maladies such as cancer, heart disease, and cognitive deterioration, but these effects have only recently gained mainstream attention.
The study, TAME (Targeting Aging with Metformin), will track approximately 3,000 subjects between the ages of 70 years and 80 years who either have one, two, or all three of the aforementioned conditions or who are at risk for developing them. The study’s goal is to see if the medication forestalls these illnesses as well as diabetes and death. Importantly, should the study be successful, the FDA plans to add aging as a new approved indication for the drug. This is the first time in its history that the FDA has indicated that it will consider aging as a drug indication unto itself, thereby incentivizing researchers to develop further anti-aging drugs. Nir Barzilai, co-leader of the TAME study, explains: “The number one purpose is the idea that we have a drug that we can use in humans that can delay or prevent aging. But the second goal, which is in a way more important if the study works, is to convince the FDA that aging can be a target.”
Metformin has existed since the 1950s as an inexpensive, easily tolerated drug proven to be safe and virtually side effect–free. The theory behind why it may extend life expectancy is rooted in its effect on the body’s metabolic pathways; by decreasing the liver’s production of glucose and increasing the body’s insulin sensitivity, the drug is likely limiting the cellular inflammation we all experience as we age. Neurosurgeon Brett Osborn, MD, an advocate for using metformin for both diabetics and non-diabetics, says that all age-related disease stems from cellular inflammation, and metformin holds tremendous promise for slowing this inflammation. Moreover, metformin is cheap, costing about 10 cents per day, with some pharmacies even offering 30-day supplies for free to some insured patients.
