Metformin in Preventing Secondary Gliosis Following Acute Thoraco-Lumbar Spinal Cord Injury

Drug
General health
Online since 1 April 2026, updated 9 days ago

About this trial

This trial is enrolling 34 participants with very acute thoracic or lumbar spinal cord injury to test the effect of metformin on neurological recovery. Metformin is an orally administered drug commonly used to treat diabetes that has demonstrated neuroprotective effects. If included, participants will be randomly assigned to receive either metformin (1,000 mg twice daily) or a placebo. Final testing neurological recovery will be performed after 3 months.

Included participants

Gender
All
Age
18 - 65 years
Injury level
T1 - L2
  • Severity (AIS)?
  • AIS-B
    AIS-C
    AIS-D
    Time since injury
    ≤ 24 null
    Healthy volunteers
    No
    T1-L2
    Additionally, participants must
    NOT have implanted metallic devices or conditions precluding MRI

    What’s involved

    Type

    Drug

    Details

    - Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either metformin (1,000 mg twice daily) or a placebo. - Metformin is an orally administered drug commonly used to treat diabetes that has demonstrated neuroprotective effects. - Final testing neurological recovery will be performed after 3 months.

    Potential benefits

    Main benefits

    General health

    Additional benefits

    Arm/hand function

    Pain

    Sensory function

    Standing/walking/mobility

    Good to know: Potential benefits are defined as outcomes that are being measured during and/or after the trial.

    Wings for Life supports SCITrialsFinder

    Wings for Life has proudly initiated, led and funded the new version of the SCI Trials Finder website. Wings for Life aims to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The not-for-profit foundation funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe.

    Learn more


    • Trial recruitment status
    • Recruiting soon
    • Trial start date
    • 1 Jan 2026
    • Organisation
    • Badr University
    • Trial recruitment status
    • Recruiting soon
    • Trial start date
    • 1 Jan 2026
    • Organisation
    • Badr University

    Wings for Life supports SCITrialsFinder

    Wings for Life has proudly initiated, led and funded the new version of the SCI Trials Finder website. Wings for Life aims to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The not-for-profit foundation funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe.

    Learn more