Metformin May Increase Longevity in Older Women, Study Suggests
A recent study published in 2025 suggests that the drug metformin, commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes, may have anti-aging effects that could increase the likelihood of older women living to the age of 90 and beyond.
The research, conducted by scientists in the US and Germany, analyzed data from a long-term study of postmenopausal women. The study included 438 participants, half of whom were taking metformin for diabetes management while the other half were taking a different diabetes drug called sulfonylurea.
While the study has some limitations, the findings indicated that women in the metformin group had a 30% lower risk of mortality before reaching the age of 90 compared to those in the sulfonylurea group. The researchers noted that metformin targets multiple aging pathways, potentially contributing to its longevity benefits.
Metformin, known as a gerotherapeutic drug, has been shown to have various anti-aging effects in the body. It can help limit DNA damage, promote gene activity associated with longevity, and slow down aging processes.
Previous studies have also shown that metformin can protect the brain from aging-related damage and reduce the risk of long-term effects of COVID-19. However, the extent to which metformin can extend lifespan in humans is still under investigation.
While the current study cannot establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between metformin use and longevity, it provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of the drug. The researchers emphasize the need for further randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings and explore the mechanisms behind metformin’s anti-aging effects.
“A key advantage of our analysis was the long follow-up period after treatment initiation enabled by examination of a cohort with extensive follow-up from midlife to ages 90 and older, which is not feasible in typical randomized controlled trials,” the researchers noted.
As the global population ages, research into interventions that can improve healthspan and reduce age-related diseases becomes increasingly important. The study underscores the potential of metformin as a therapeutic agent for promoting healthy aging and preventing age-related health issues.
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“The geroscience hypothesis posits that biological aging is malleable and that slowing biological aging may delay or prevent the onset of multiple age-related diseases and disability,” the researchers added.
The findings of the study were published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, shedding light on the potential of metformin as a longevity-promoting drug for older women.
An earlier version of this article was published in June 2025.
