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MS Trial Finds Metformin–Clemastine Combo Shows Early Myelin-Repair Signal

Early phase II data show stabilized visual nerve conduction over six months without symptomatic improvement.

Overview

  • University of Cambridge researchers reported the findings at the ECTRIMS conference in Barcelona, with funding from the MS Society.
  • About 70 people with relapsing MS were randomized for six months, and the primary visual evoked potential measure favored the drug combination over placebo.
  • Participants did not feel clinically better during the trial period, reflecting a goal of protecting nerves over time rather than restoring cells already lost.
  • Common side effects included clemastine‑related fatigue and metformin‑related diarrhea, and investigators reported no serious adverse events.
  • Researchers cautioned against off‑label use and called for larger, longer, peer‑reviewed studies, saying validation could pave the way for a new class of remyelination therapies.