Can Dorzaglatin be taken with Metformin?
Yes. And there is strong evidence for this.
Dorzagliatin is a glucokinase activator (acting in both pancreas and liver) that essentially “resets” the glucose sensor: it enhances postprandial glucose utilization and supports β-cell function. Metformin remains the standard first-line therapy: it reduces hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity. Because their mechanisms are distinct yet complementary, they form a logical therapeutic pair.
In a large randomized, double-blind clinical trial (n=767), the addition of dorzagliatin to stable metformin therapy (1500 mg/day) over 24 weeks reduced HbA1c by −1.02% compared with −0.36% in the placebo group (between-group difference −0.66%, p<0.0001). The incidence of adverse events was comparable between groups, with no cases of severe hypoglycemia or drug-related serious events in the combination arm. Importantly, the percentage of patients achieving HbA1c <7% was significantly higher with dorzagliatin plus metformin than with metformin alone. These findings confirm both the clinical efficacy and tolerability of this “add-on to metformin” regimen.
Drug–drug interaction studies have also been conducted. Pharmacokinetic analyses demonstrated no clinically meaningful interaction between dorzagliatin and metformin, meaning dose adjustment is not required when they are co-administered. This conclusion has been reported both in phase 1 data from the developer and in subsequent peer-reviewed analyses.
Why the combination works and is safe:
• Complementary mechanisms — glucokinase activation vs. AMPK activation/hepatic gluconeogenesis — address both postprandial and fasting hyperglycemia.
• Proven efficacy in a phase 3 RCT specifically designed as an “add-on to metformin.”
• No clinically significant drug–drug interactions.
References:
In a large randomized, double-blind clinical trial (n=767), the addition of dorzagliatin to stable metformin therapy (1500 mg/day) over 24 weeks reduced HbA1c by −1.02% compared with −0.36% in the placebo group (between-group difference −0.66%, p<0.0001). The incidence of adverse events was comparable between groups, with no cases of severe hypoglycemia or drug-related serious events in the combination arm. Importantly, the percentage of patients achieving HbA1c <7% was significantly higher with dorzagliatin plus metformin than with metformin alone. These findings confirm both the clinical efficacy and tolerability of this “add-on to metformin” regimen.
Drug–drug interaction studies have also been conducted. Pharmacokinetic analyses demonstrated no clinically meaningful interaction between dorzagliatin and metformin, meaning dose adjustment is not required when they are co-administered. This conclusion has been reported both in phase 1 data from the developer and in subsequent peer-reviewed analyses.
Why the combination works and is safe:
• Complementary mechanisms — glucokinase activation vs. AMPK activation/hepatic gluconeogenesis — address both postprandial and fasting hyperglycemia.
• Proven efficacy in a phase 3 RCT specifically designed as an “add-on to metformin.”
• No clinically significant drug–drug interactions.
References:
- Nature Medicine (May 12, 2022): randomized trial of dorzagliatin added to metformin — key efficacy and safety outcomes.
- Diabetes (abstract, phase 1): absence of drug–drug interaction between dorzagliatin and metformin.
- Reviews and meta-analyses confirming no impact of metformin on dorzagliatin’s clinical effect.