Metformin and Syrosingopine: Diabetes and Blood Pressure Drugs Show Promise Against Cancer in Early Study

Key Takeaways:

  • A drug pairing of metformin (diabetes medication) and syrosingopine (blood pressure drug) shows potential for starving cancer cells.
  • The combo blocks two critical energy pathways cancer cells rely on to grow.
  • Researchers identified syrosingopine as a “dual inhibitor” of key lactate transporters—a first-of-its-kind discovery.
Metformin

Metformin

A study in Cell Reports suggests that two widely prescribed medications—metformin (for type 2 diabetes) and syrosingopine (for hypertension)—could be repurposed to target cancer cells. The research, led by scientists at the University of Basel’s Biozentrum and Basilea Pharmaceutica, reveals how this unlikely duo disrupts cancer’s energy supply, offering a novel strategy to halt tumor growth.

The Drug Combo’s Double Strike Against Cancer

Cancer cells require massive amounts of energy to multiply rapidly. To meet this demand, they rely heavily on NAD+, a molecule crucial for converting nutrients into energy. The study found that metformin and syrosingopine work together to block NAD+ regeneration in two distinct ways:

  1. Syrosingopine clogs cancer cells by inhibiting lactate transporters, causing a toxic buildup of lactate.
  2. Metformin disrupts a secondary pathway that cancer cells use to recycle NAD+.

“Syrosingopine essentially traps lactate inside the cell,” explains lead author Don Benjamin. “This not only starves the cancer of energy but also creates a hostile environment that prevents growth.”

From Diabetes to Cancer: Metformin’s Expanding Role

Metformin has long intrigued scientists for its potential beyond diabetes management. Prior studies linked it to improved fertility, longevity, and even cancer cell death—but only at doses higher than those used for diabetes. By pairing it with syrosingopine, researchers achieved a synergistic effect, amplifying its cancer-fighting power without requiring unsafe doses.

“This isn’t just about metformin alone,” says Benjamin. “The combination is key. Syrosingopine’s ability to block both major lactate transporters—something no other drug currently does—makes this approach unique.”

Why This Matters for Patients

While early-stage research, the findings open doors for repurposing existing, low-cost drugs. Syrosingopine’s dual-action inhibition could fill a critical gap in targeting aggressive cancers dependent on lactate transport. For patients, this combo might eventually offer a less toxic alternative to traditional chemotherapy, though clinical trials are needed to confirm safety and efficacy.

What This Means For You:

  • Do NOT self-prescribe: These drugs are not yet approved for cancer treatment. Always consult your oncologist before considering off-label use.
  • Stay informed: Ask your care team about clinical trials exploring drug repurposing for cancer.

Related Reading:

This study underscores the untapped potential of existing medications in oncology. As researchers unravel how everyday drugs interact with cancer biology, new, affordable treatment strategies could emerge—transforming the fight against one of medicine’s greatest challenges.

FAQs: Diabetes and Blood Pressure Drugs as Potential Cancer Treatments

Q: What drugs are being studied for cancer treatment?
A: Metformin (a diabetes medication) and syrosingopine (a blood pressure drug).

Q: How do these drugs fight cancer?
A: They block energy pathways cancer cells need to grow, starving tumors by disrupting NAD+ regeneration.

Q: Is this combo safe for cancer patients?
A: Not yet confirmed. While promising in lab studies, clinical trials are needed to assess safety in humans.

Q: Can I take these drugs now if I have cancer?
A: No. Always consult your oncologist—these are not yet approved for cancer treatment.

Q: What makes syrosingopine unique?
A: It’s the first drug shown to block two key lactate transporters, critical for cancer’s energy supply.

Q: What’s next for this research?
A: Further lab studies and clinical trials to test effectiveness and safety in patients.

References

Benjamin, D., Robay, D., Hindupur, S. K., Moroni, C., Lane, H. A., & Hall, M. N. (2018). Dual inhibition of the lactate transporters MCT1 and MCT4 is synthetic lethal with metformin due to NAD+ depletion in cancer cells. Cell Reports, 25(11), 3047-3058.e4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2018.11.056

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