Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Impact of Reduced Resistance Exercise Volume on Metabolic Health
Published on: December 1, 2023
Metformin versus SGLT-2 inhibitors: how low can we go?
Menno Pruijm1, Olivier Phan1, Anne Zanchi2
1Service of Nephrology and Hypertension, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Department of Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Abstract:
The progression of chronic kidney disease is difficult to stop once established. Metformin and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors show promise, but clinical trials with a head-to-head comparison in patients with more advanced (stage 3b-4) chronic kidney disease are largely lacking, partly for safety reasons. In this issue, Corremans et al. compare the effects of metformin and canagliflozin in rats with adenine-induced moderate (stage 2-4) chronic kidney disease. Metformin halted progression, whereas canagliflozin did not. This commentary puts the results in a wider clinical context.
Insights
Metformin halted chronic kidney disease progression in rats, while canagliflozin did not. Further research is needed to compare these treatments in advanced human kidney disease.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression is challenging to halt.
- Metformin and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are potential treatments.
- Head-to-head clinical trials in advanced CKD (stage 3b-4) are limited due to safety concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of metformin and canagliflozin on CKD progression.
- To evaluate safety and efficacy in a preclinical model.
Main Methods:
- Adenine-induced moderate CKD (stage 2-4) in rats.
- Administration of metformin versus canagliflozin.
- Assessment of kidney disease progression markers.
Main Results:
- Metformin significantly halted the progression of chronic kidney disease.
- Canagliflozin did not demonstrate a similar effect in halting disease progression.
- The study provides a preclinical comparison of these two therapeutic agents.
Conclusions:
- Metformin may be more effective than canagliflozin in halting established CKD progression in this model.
- Further investigation is warranted to explore these findings in human clinical trials.
- The results offer valuable insights for managing advanced chronic kidney disease.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Acarbose and miglitol are...
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by...
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Sulfonylureas

