What's Happening?
A trial led by the University of Leicester is investigating whether the diabetes drug metformin can treat abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). The trial, funded by a £1.2 million grant from the British Heart
Foundation, aims to recruit 1,000 patients over two years. Philip Gosling, an 80-year-old farmer, is among the first participants. The trial seeks to determine if metformin can slow or prevent the growth of AAAs, which are responsible for approximately 4,000 deaths annually in the UK. The study involves administering metformin or a placebo to participants and monitoring the growth of their aneurysms.
Why It's Important?
This trial is crucial as it explores a potential non-surgical treatment for AAAs, which could significantly impact patient care. If successful, metformin could offer a less invasive option for managing AAAs, reducing the need for major surgeries and associated risks. This could improve the quality of life for patients and decrease healthcare costs. The trial also highlights the potential for repurposing existing drugs to treat other conditions, which could accelerate the development of new treatments and improve patient outcomes.
