Metformin - A Panacea Pharmaceutical Agent through convergence revolution initiative

Abstract

Metformin has been known to the mankind for centuries. Metformin is the first line of drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Initial pharmaceutical therapy was for treating the frequent urinal problem which is a primary manifestation of diabetes. At the time of writing, metformin as an intervention is looked into for cardiovascular risks, polycystic ovary syndrome and breast cancer. Annual demand for Metformin is 23,000 Metric tons per annum. Nano Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS) has embarked into Metformin controlled and targeted delivery for breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Clinical estimation of the biological fluids by the FDA approved diagnostic laboratories use LC-MS/MS where blood samples estimate Metformin as an intact molecule easing the pressure of clinical trials result. Metformin was manufactured by a less known and low profile Aoron pharmaceutical, France not aware of the block buster drug hence the potential of technology development start-ups can neither be underwritten nor underestimated even when there is a very high rate (~90%) of failed biotech/biomed start-up ventures. The bloom of the French lilac (metformin) to blossom and flower for the cure of breast cancer by convergence revolution initiative with the integration of academia, hospital, technology business incubator, multinational corporation with the deliverance of a start-up company

Metformin Contamination in Global Waters: Biotic and Abiotic Transformation, Byproduct Generation and Toxicity, and Evaluation as a Pharmaceutical Indicator

“…The global consumption of metformin is expected to increase with the continuously growing diabetes population (it is projected that 784 million adults will be living with diabetes by 2045) 1 and the expanding panacea nature of metformin (e.g., recently demonstrated to alleviate COVID-19). 3,4 Thus, it is foreseeable that the contamination of metformin in global waters and the adverse risks associated with long-term exposure to metformin and its TPs will be enhanced over time. To protect the drinking water supply and the health of ecosystems and humans, we suggest to strengthen the following research aspects in future studies:…”

“…The global consumption of metformin is expected to increase with the continuously growing diabetes population (it is projected that 784 million adults will be living with diabetes by 2045) and the expanding panacea nature of metformin (e.g., recently demonstrated to alleviate COVID-19). , Thus, it is foreseeable that the contamination of metformin in global waters and the adverse risks associated with long-term exposure to metformin and its TPs will be enhanced over time. To protect the drinking water supply and the health of ecosystems and humans, we suggest to strengthen the following research aspects in future studies: Monitoring of metformin contamination in global waters, especially stormwater, groundwater, drinking water sources, and tap water where TPs with enhanced toxicity will be generated following disinfection; special attention should be given to regions with a high prevalence of diabetes but little available data and/or to middle-income countries, such as nations in the Middle East, South America, and Africa. Investigation of the transformation pathways and mechanisms of metformin and the development of full mineralization technologies to minimize the production of problematic TPs. Development of the analytical standards for TPs and improvements in studies on the analysis and monitoring of toxic TPs along with metformin in wastewater, surface water, and drinking water. Further exploration of the endocrine-disrupting effects of metformin and its TPs on fish and the establishment of biomarkers. The adverse effects, particularly chronic effects, of TPs to species in different trophic levels, or the long-term exposure risk of TPs with high predicted toxicity at environmentally relevant concentrations as well as the synergistic, antagonistic, and additive effects of degradation mixtures. Assessment of the health risks of metformin and TPs in surface water and drinking water, particularly the risks to sensitive species and children in heavily contaminated regions such as Lagos, Nigeria. The continuous refinement of metformin as a robust and universal indicator for pharmaceuticals in wastewater, surface water, and other aquatic systems at regional and global scales, with the increase in relevant publicly available monitoring data. …”

“…Metformin (C 4 H 11 N 5 ) has become the first-line antidiabetic drug since its first synthesis in the 1920s because of its excellent performance and cost-effectiveness in treating type 2 diabetes, − which accounts for 90% of the 537 million adults (20–79 years) with diabetes . This number accounts for 6.1% of the world population and will increase to 705 million by 2045 .…”

“…This number accounts for 6.1% of the world population and will increase to 705 million by 2045 . The panacea-like effects of metformin, such as reducing cardiovascular risk and controlling inflammation (e.g., alleviating the severity and mortality of COVID-19), , also contribute to its increasing use. The substantial prescription and consumption of metformin across the world have been well documented .…”

Metformin promotes apoptosis of A549 cells via regulation of p-AMPK protein expression, bax/bcl-2 ratio and ROS levels

“…It lowers blood glucose by stimulating the sensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin [7]. Reports have implicated metformin in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome [8]. Studies have shown that T2DM patients treated with metformin medication responded better to chemotherapy than those placed on sulfonylureas [9].…”