A pair of recent studies highlighted two potential new uses for metformin, a Type 2 diabetes drug. One points to the drug possibly helping people living with HIV, and another shows the drug could benefit adults who have long COVID-19.
In a study published in September in the journal iScience, metformin was found to have potential benefits for people living with HIV. In a 12-week pilot clinical trial involving 13 participants on antiretroviral therapy, metformin supplementation helped boost the immune system's ability to target and contain the virus.
In a separate study, published Sept. 17 in Diabetes Care suggests metformin use before and during a COVID-19 infection can reduce the risk of severe COVID and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. In the cohort analysis, metformin users with Type 2 diabetes saw a 21% lower risk of death or PASC compared to those using other diabetes medications.