TARGETING AGING WITH METFORMIN (TAME)

Abstract

Metformin is one drug that targets the biology of aging and extends life- and health-span in animals. It is used for the treatment of and to delay type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with an over 60 years outstanding safety record. Metformin use is also associated with lower rates of cancer, CVD, all-cause mortality and possibly less cognitive decline. We designed TAME, a placebo controlled, multi-center study in ~3000 elderly aged 65–79, with a novel primary outcome of delaying the incidence of a composite of multiple age-related diseases. Additional outcomes relate to geriatric syndromes and functional health. The study was developed in consultation with the FDA to obtain a new FDA indication to target aging. This indication would allow industry to justify the development of next-generation drugs to target aging and will further extend healthy life span in the next decade, utilizing the experimental template provided by TAME.