Metformin is an FDA-approved medicine for type 2 diabetes. Longevity interest comes from biological mechanisms, observational studies, and the proposed TAME trial framework. No randomized human trial has shown that metformin extends lifespan in people without diabetes.
Longevity small molecule
Metformin
Metformin is an FDA-approved medicine for type 2 diabetes. Longevity interest comes from biological mechanisms, observational studies, and the proposed TAME trial framework. No randomized human trial has shown that metformin extends lifespan in people without diabetes.
Evidence review
Last reviewed Jul 1, 2026
Next review Jul 29, 2026
Evidence snapshot
FDA-approved as Glucophage (metformin hydrochloride) as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and children with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Mechanism: activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis, and indirectly modulates mTOR: sometimes called 'poor man's rapamycin' in longevity discussions.
The TAME (Targeting Aging with Metformin) trial (NCT02432287), led by Nir Barzilai, is the first major clinical trial designed to test whether a drug can delay the onset of multiple age-related diseases in non-diabetic adults.
Observational data has reported lower mortality in metformin-treated diabetics versus matched non-diabetic controls (Bannister et al., 2014), but this is retrospective and subject to confounding. It does not prove a longevity benefit in non-diabetics.
No completed randomized controlled trial has demonstrated lifespan extension in humans. Multiple clinical reviews (e.g., Choi et al., 2021) note that metformin's geroprotective effect in non-diabetics remains unproven.
Research record
What the evidence record says
- Evidence grade
- Not Graded
- Regulatory status
- Metformin regulatory status has not been fully reviewed by Peptide Report editorial team. See company profiles and regulatory watch for current status.
Evidence records
Studies, registries, reviews, and regulatory records
Evidence review pending
- Detailed evidence review for Metformin is pending editorial assessment. Current summary reflects available public records.
Records: Glucophage (metformin) FDA label: prescribing info, Targeting aging with metformin: clinical trial record, Metformin as a Tool to Target Aging (TAME concept article)
Evidence timeline
What changed, and when
Peptide Report last reviewed Metformin on 2026-07-01.
Direct answers
Frequently asked questions
What is Metformin?
Metformin is a longevity small molecule tracked by Peptide Report. See the full profile for current editorial assessment.
Open research questions
What is still unknown
- What is the complete human evidence base for Metformin?
- What are the long-term safety considerations for Metformin?
Tracked claims
Metformin is FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes and is among the most widely prescribed oral antidiabetic drugs.
Evidence level: Primary regulatory
Sources: Glucophage (metformin) FDA label: prescribing info
How to read this: Cite the FDA label directly. Do not extend the diabetes approval to longevity claims.
The TAME trial is testing whether metformin can delay age-related disease in non-diabetic adults.
Evidence level: Primary regulatory
Sources: Targeting aging with metformin: clinical trial record, Metformin as a Tool to Target Aging (TAME concept article)
How to read this: TAME is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02432287). It is ongoing: no lifespan or disease-delay results have been published. Update when results are available.
Observational studies report lower mortality in metformin-treated diabetics versus non-diabetic controls.
Evidence level: Peer reviewed
Sources: Can people with type 2 diabetes live longer than those without? A comparison of mortality in people initiated with metformin or sulphonylurea monotherapy, Metformin use is associated with increased survival in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure
How to read this: These are retrospective observational studies, not randomized trials. State confounding limitations clearly. Do not present association as causation.
Metformin is widely discussed in longevity and biohacking communities as a candidate geroprotector.
Evidence level: Community discussion
Sources: Metformin and aging: A clinical review, Metformin as a Tool to Target Aging (TAME concept article)
How to read this: Frame as a hypothesis under active investigation, not as established anti-aging therapy. Clinical reviews emphasize that benefit in non-diabetics is unproven.
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Sources on this page
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GLUCOPHAGE (metformin hydrochloride) Label Information
FDA label for Glucophage (metformin): indicated with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and children with type 2 diabetes.
4 linked pagesOpen original ·
fda-glucophage-metformin-labelTargeting Aging with Metformin (TAME): ClinicalTrials.gov
ClinicalTrials.gov: MILES (NCT02432287), pilot tied to TAME; randomized, double-blind metformin vs placebo in 16 adults, completed.
4 linked pagesOpen original ·
clinicaltrials-gov-tameMetformin as a Tool to Target Aging (TAME concept article)
Nir Barzilai and colleagues outline the scientific rationale and design of the TAME trial, arguing that metformin's AMPK-activating, insulin-sensitizing effects make it a candidate to target aging biology.
3 linked pagesOpen original ·
barzilai-tame-concept-2016Can people with type 2 diabetes live longer than those without? A comparison of mortality in people initiated with metformin or sulphonylurea monotherapy
Observational retrospective cohort study (Bannister et al.) reporting that metformin-treated patients had lower mortality than matched non-diabetic controls, fueling interest in metformin as a longevity therapeutic.
3 linked pagesOpen original ·
bannister-2014-metformin-mortalityMetformin use is associated with increased survival in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure
Observational study reporting reduced mortality associated with metformin use in type 2 diabetes patients with heart failure, adding to the body of observational evidence.
1 linked pageOpen original ·
campbell-2017-metformin-mortalityMetformin and aging: A clinical review
Clinical review summarizing metformin's proposed mechanisms (AMPK activation, mTOR inhibition, insulin sensitization) and the evidence base for and against its use as a geroprotective agent.
2 linked pagesOpen original ·
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