Could Metformin Be the Key to Slower Brain Aging and Longevity?

Metformin, a drug used for decades to treat type 2 diabetes, may also slow brain ageing. New studies reveal how it works in the brain and its broader effects on longevity. Researchers now believe it could play a role in extending healthy lifespans beyond diabetes care.

First approved in the 1950s, metformin—sold under names like Glucophage and Riomet—has long been a standard treatment for type 2 diabetes. Over time, doctors noticed additional benefits, including weight loss and lower risks of heart disease. The drug is now prescribed off-label for conditions like gestational diabetes, prediabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, and even to counter weight gain from antipsychotic medications.

A 2017 review highlighted its potential to reduce age-related diseases. More recently, a 2024 study by the Chinese Academy of Sciences found that metformin slows the biological 'aging clock' in monkeys. Then, in July 2025, researchers at Baylor College of Medicine published findings in *Science Advances* explaining the mechanism: metformin activates the **Rap1** signalling pathway in the brain, which appears to protect neurons and improve cognitive function. Side effects from metformin remain uncommon and generally mild. While not yet approved as an anti-aging treatment, growing evidence suggests it could one day be used to promote longevity.

The latest research confirms metformin's ability to slow brain ageing and extends its potential beyond diabetes management. With ongoing studies, the drug may eventually gain recognition as a tool for healthy ageing. For now, its use remains focused on metabolic and related conditions.