AzTrials
AzTrials

Oral Submucous FibrosisPhase 1/2MROSFNCT06332612

Metformin Repurposing in Oral Submucous Fibrosis: Unveiling In Vitro Signaling Pathways, Progressing to Clinical Trial

A Phase 1/2 study testing Metformin Hydrochloride, betamethasone dipropionate and Pentoxifylline in people with Oral Submucous Fibrosis, run by Ziauddin University at 1 site in Pakistan.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

OSF is a widespread health issue in Asian countries, notably Pakistan, linked to the consumption of pan, chalia, and gutka, affecting a rising number of young individuals as an epidemic. This condition significantly impairs oral function, resulting in ulcers and chronic lesions, often progressing to oral cancer. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 45 years
Conditions the study is for
Oral Submucous Fibrosis
What is being tested?
Metformin Hydrochloride, betamethasone dipropionate and Pentoxifylline
Type of treatment
Pill or oral medicine
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
30 participants
Where
1 sitePakistan
Study dates
12 Aug 2024to 6 Jan 2025
Phase
Phase 1/2
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 45 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Patients with OSF- palpable bands on oral examination
  • Patients with limited mouth opening due to OSF
  • Patients who have not received any treatment for OSF in the previous three months
  • Patients with habits of pan, Chalia, Ghutka
  • Age group between 18 and 45 years

Who cannot join

  • Patients presenting with both OSCC and OSF
  • Patients with limited mouth opening due to impaction of the third molar (impaction of third molar results in limited mouth opening hence such patients are excluded since limited mouth opening due to third molar impaction can be mistaken for OSF).
  • Patients with limited mouth opening due to temporomandibular joint disorder (temporomandibular joint disorders can limit the ability of patient to open their mouth and hence can be mistaken for OSF)
  • Any history of Metformin intolerance or contraindications.
  • Presence of other severe medical conditions along with drug therapy.
  • Pregnancy or lactation.
  • Participation in other clinical trials concurrently.
  • Inability to provide informed consent.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Pakistan1 site
  • Ziauddin University

    Karachi, Sindh, 74700

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

Official title: Repurposing Metformin for the Treatment of Oral Submucous Fibrosis: Unraveling Novel Signaling Pathways In Vitro and Advancing to Clinical Trial"

OSF is a widespread health issue in Asian countries, notably Pakistan, linked to the consumption of pan, chalia, and gutka, affecting a rising number of young individuals as an epidemic. This condition significantly impairs oral function, resulting in ulcers and chronic lesions, often progressing to oral cancer. Current treatments focus on symptom relief and halting disease progression. This study explores the repurposing of metformin, an FDA-approved drug with antifibrotic properties, for OSF treatment. Our objective is to unveil its therapeutic potential and comprehend its impact on the dysregulated signaling pathways associated with OSF. This research offers promising insights for an enhanced management approach, providing hope for those grappling with this debilitating condition

Read the detailed description

OSF stands as a persistent inflammatory and potentially malignant condition affecting the oral cavity, marked by progressive fibrosis of the oral mucosa. The spectrum of its manifestations spans from initial inflammation to the gradual emergence of fibrous bands, leading to restricted mouth opening and mucosal rigidity. Common symptoms encompass burning sensations, difficulty in swallowing, and alterations in taste perception. This health concern has gained prominence in Pakistan, experiencing a worrisome surge in prevalence from 8.3/105 to 16.2/105 in recent years. Formerly confined to Southeast Asia, OSF has now transcended borders, manifesting in Asian immigrant communities in Britain and America, evolving into a global oral potential malignant disorder (OPMD) with a malignant rate of 9.13% .

Presently, the corticosteroid-based approach effectively reduces inflammation in OSF but falls short in addressing the underlying molecular mechanisms contributing to fibrosis. Furthermore, the prolonged use of corticosteroids raises concerns about adverse effects, including mucosal atrophy and compromised tissue integrity. This study aims to investigate the potential of metformin, a recognized emerging drug for treating fibrosis, and its anti-fibrotic properties in various organs. The established safety profile of metformin adds an advantageous aspect to its potential applications.

Numerous studies indicate that metformin exhibits anti-fibrotic effects by inhibiting TGF-β1 production, reducing phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Smad2/3. Additionally, metformin inhibits Smad2/3 phosphorylation independently and activates AMPK, hindering Smad3 phosphorylation. The impact on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation moderates TGF-β1-induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation and myofibroblast differentiation.Metformin has shown promise in hindering collagen production and promoting trans differentiation in various organ, including the lung, kidney, heart and adipose tissue. A clinical trial reported metformin therapy's impact on postmenopausal ovaries, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) exhibited isotropic collagen organization and reduced fibrosis during oophorectomy.The observed risk reduction for ovarian cancer in T2DM women using metformin suggests its potential as an ovarian cancer prophylaxis. Despite conflicting clinical trial results in liver fibrosis, metformin consistently improves hepatocyte damage and inflammation. Clinical trials have explored the role of metformin antitumor activity when combined with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs and in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis it inhibits TGFβ1, suppressing collagen formation, activating PPARγ signaling and inducing lipogenic differentiation.

Being tested
Metformin Hydrochloride, betamethasone dipropionate, Pentoxifylline
Keywords
Oral Submucous Fibrosis, Metformin, Randomized Controlled Clinial Trial, TGF Beta, Smad2/ 3 Signaling, Wnt Signaling
Medical subject headings
Oral Submucous Fibrosis, Camurati-Engelmann Syndrome

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Metformin HydrochlorideDrug

    Also called Glucophage

    Group B will receive Metformin 500 mg thrice daily. Group C will receive topical cream metformin thrice daily.

  • betamethasone dipropionateDrug

    Also called Betnovate

    Group 1will recieve topical cream betamethasone thrice daily

  • PentoxifyllineDrug

    Also called Trental

    Group 1 will receive Pentoxifylline tablet 400 mg twice daily

Study groups in NCT06332612
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
StandardActive comparatorGroup 1: Standard treatment with topical cream betamethasone and Pentoxifylline tablet.
Receives: Drug: betamethasone dipropionate; Drug: Pentoxifylline
MetforminOExperimentalMetformin 500 mg thrice daily.
Receives: Drug: Metformin Hydrochloride
MetforminTExperimentalTopical cream metformin thrice daily
Receives: Drug: Metformin Hydrochloride

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Cell Viability

    Cell Viability by MTT Assay Unit: Percentage Assessment of cell viability will be reported as a percentage of untreated control cells.

    Measured: 8 months

  2. Cytotoxicity

    Cytotoxicity Unit: Percentage Measurement of cytotoxicity will be presented as a percentage relative to untreated control cells.

    Measured: 8 Months

  3. Morphological Changes Cell Shape

    Unit: Qualitative description Cell shape alterations will be described qualitatively based on microscopic observations.

    Measured: 8months

  4. Morphological Change Cell Density

    Unit: Cells per unit area Changes in cell density will be quantified and reported as cells per unit area. Sub-Measure 3: Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Structure Unit: Qualitative description Alterations in ECM structure will be qualitatively assessed.

    Measured: 8 months

  5. Morphological Change Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Structure

    Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Structure Unit: Qualitative description Alterations in ECM structure will be qualitatively assessed.

    Measured: 8 months

  6. Cell Migration Assays

    Unit: Distance migrated (micrometers) The extent of cell migration will be quantified as the distance migrated from the original point.

    Measured: 8months

  7. Cell Invasion Assays

    Unit: Invaded area (e.g., square millimeters) Assessment of cell invasion will be presented as the invaded area relative to untreated control cells.

    Measured: 8 months

  8. Apoptosis Analysis

    Unit: Percentage Apoptotic cells will be quantified and reported as a percentage of the total cell population.

    Measured: 8months

  9. Assess Signaling pathway with optimal metformin concentration

    To evaluate the effect of TGF-beta Smad 2/3 and wnt/b-catenin signaling pathways in vitro

    Measured: 9 months

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. Clinical Oral Mucosal Characteristics

    Unit: Descriptive score (based on a scale ranging from 0 to 3 (normal to severe).0=No changes 1=Soreness 2=Soreness and ulceration 3=Soreness, ulceration and ability to use a liquid diet only

    Measured: 9 months

  2. Patient Burning sensation pain

    Unit: Units on a scale (Verbal numeric rating scale graded on a 10-point scale from 0 to 10, where 0 indicated no burning sensation while 10 represented the worst burning sensation)

    Measured: 9 months

  3. Patient Mouth Opening

    Unit: Millimeters on a scale of Grade 0 = > 35 mm, Grade1= 26-35mm, Grade 2= 15-25mm, Grade 3: < 10mm

    Measured: 9 months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted27 Mar 2024
  2. Study start12 Aug 2024
  3. Primary completion30 Dec 2024
  4. Study completion6 Jan 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 1/2
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
1\. In Vitro (Cell Line) Study Design: Experimental in vitro study using OSF cell lines. Groups: * Metformin-treated * Control (untreated) * Vehicle control Clinical Trial Study Design: A pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) translating the in vitro findings into a clinical setting. It would be a single-blind, placebo-controlled designAll groups will undergo a 24-week intervention phase. Group 1 will receive standard treatment including topical cream betamethasone thrice daily and Pentoxifylline tablet 400 mg twice daily. Group 2 will receive Metformin 500 mg thrice daily. Group 3 will receive topical cream metformin thrice daily. All groups will be instructed to perform a stick mouth opening exercise twice daily, alternating sides, holding the stick for 10 minutes on each side, with a 10-minute rest in between. All groups will be single blinded to the intervention.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
30 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06332612
Sponsor's protocol ID
8420224AROM
Acronym
MROSF
Status last verified
Apr 2025
First submitted
22 Feb 2024
Last updated
2 May 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: The decision not to share Individual Participant Data (IPD) may be based on several considerations and could be influenced by institutional policies, ethical guidelines, and practical constraints.Sharing individual-level data may risk the identification of study participants, even with anonymization efforts, especially in smaller studies or specific populations

Publications

  • Yang SF, Wang YH, Su NY, Yu HC, Wei CY, Yu CH, Chang YC. Changes in prevalence of precancerous oral submucous fibrosis from 1996 to 2013 in Taiwan: A nationwide population-based retrospective study. J Formos Med Assoc. 2018 Feb;117(2):147-152. doi: 10.1016/j.jfma.2017.01.012. Epub 2017 Apr 5.

    PubMed 28390753
  • Shen YW, Shih YH, Fuh LJ, Shieh TM. Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Review on Biomarkers, Pathogenic Mechanisms, and Treatments. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Sep 30;21(19):7231. doi: 10.3390/ijms21197231.

    PubMed 33008091
  • Septembre-Malaterre A, Boina C, Douanier A, Gasque P. Deciphering the Antifibrotic Property of Metformin. Cells. 2022 Dec 16;11(24):4090. doi: 10.3390/cells11244090.

    PubMed 36552855
  • Wu M, Xu H, Liu J, Tan X, Wan S, Guo M, Long Y, Xu Y. Metformin and Fibrosis: A Review of Existing Evidence and Mechanisms. J Diabetes Res. 2021 Apr 29;2021:6673525. doi: 10.1155/2021/6673525. eCollection 2021.

    PubMed 34007848
  • Teague TT, Payne SR, Kelly BT, Dempsey TM, McCoy RG, Sangaralingham LR, Limper AH. Evaluation for clinical benefit of metformin in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a national claims-based cohort analysis. Respir Res. 2022 Apr 11;23(1):91. doi: 10.1186/s12931-022-02001-0.

    PubMed 35410255
  • Pimentel I, Lohmann AE, Ennis M, Dowling RJO, Cescon D, Elser C, Potvin KR, Haq R, Hamm C, Chang MC, Stambolic V, Goodwin PJ. A phase II randomized clinical trial of the effect of metformin versus placebo on progression-free survival in women with metastatic breast cancer receiving standard chemotherapy. Breast. 2019 Dec;48:17-23. doi: 10.1016/j.breast.2019.08.003. Epub 2019 Aug 22.

    PubMed 31472446

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 1/2 study testing Metformin Hydrochloride, betamethasone dipropionate and Pentoxifylline in people with Oral Submucous Fibrosis, run by Ziauddin University at 1 site in Pakistan.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 May 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this combined phase mean?

Phase 1 studies test a treatment in a small group of people for the first time or in a new way, mainly to check safety and find the right dose.

Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Cell Viability (time frame: 8 months). The study lists 9 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06332612, which also lists 6 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 May 2025.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in