Metformin treatment in young children with fragile X syndrome

Background Metformin is a drug commonly used in individuals with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and impaired glucose tolerance. It has a strong safety profile in both children and adults. Studies utilizing the Drosophila model and knock out mouse model of fragile X syndrome (FXS) have found metformin to rescue memory, social novelty deficits, and neuroanatomical abnormalities. These studies provided preliminary evidence that metformin could be used as a targeted treatment for the cognitive and behavioral problems associated with FXS. Previously, a case series of children and adults with FXS treated with metformin demonstrated improvements in irritability, social responsiveness, language, and hyperactivity. Methods Here, we present nine children with FXS between 2 and 7 years of age who were treated clinically with metformin and monitored for behavioral and metabolic changes. Results Parent reports and developmental testing before and after metformin are presented. There were improvements in language development and behavior (such as lethargy and stereotypy) in most of the patients. Conclusion These results support the need for a controlled trial of metformin in children with FXS under 7 years old whose brains are in a critical developmental window and thus may experience a greater degree of clinical benefit from metformin.