This randomized clinical trial (RCT) evaluates whether metformin can reduce systemic inflammation and improve immune function in individuals with a history of injection drug use, with or without HIV. Participants will receive metformin or placebo and undergo immune system assessments, including vaccine response evaluations.
The study aims to assess the impact of metformin on immune dysregulation among 100 adults (ages 18-64) with a history of injection drug use. Participants will be randomized 1:1 to metformin (500mg increasing to 1000mg) or placebo for 16 weeks, during which they will receive Jynneos (MPOX) and Capvaxvie (PCV21, pneumococcal) vaccines. Immunologic responses will be monitored over 6 months post-enrollment.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
100
Participants will receive Metformin ER (500mg increasing to 1000mg) or placebo for 16 weeks to assess immune restoration and inflammatory response.
Participants will receive placebo for 16 weeks and assess immune restoration and inflammatory response.
All participants will take a Jynneos (MPOX) vaccine.
All participants will take a Capvaxvie (PCV21, pneumococcal) vaccine.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
RECRUITINGChange in Serum C-reactive Protein (CRP)
Assessed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) of blood samples collected at baseline and at 16 weeks. Reported in mg/dL.
Time frame: Baseline to Week 16
Change in exhausted B cells
Assessed by flow cytometry of blood samples collected at baseline and at 16 weeks. Reported as percentage of total B cells.
Time frame: Baseline to Week 16
Change in exhausted T cells
Assessed by flow cytometry of blood samples collected at baseline and at 16 weeks. Reported as percentage of total T cells.
Time frame: Baseline to Week 16
Change in MPOX vaccine-specific IgG antibody.
Assessed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) of blood samples collected at baseline and at 13 weeks. Reported as micrograms/mL.
Time frame: Baseline to Week 13
Change in PCV21 vaccine-specific IgG antibody.
Assessed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) of blood samples collected at baseline and at 9 weeks. Reported as micrograms/mL.
Time frame: Baseline to Week 9
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.