Buformin (1-butylbiguanide) is an oral antidiabetic drug of the biguanide class. AMPK activator. AMPK is a potential therapeutic target in the prevention and the treatment of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Major classes of antidiabetic drugs have been reported to activate AMPK. Buformin exerts its anti-tumorigenic activity via activation of AMPK and inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathways in endometrial cancer cells. Toxicity: guinea pig LD50 subcutaneous 18 mg/kg; mouse LD50 intraperitoneal 140 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg oral. Buformin was withdrawn from the market in many countries due to an elevated risk of causing lactic acidosis.

Metformin is the most widely used drug to treat type 2 diabetes, and is one of only two oral antidiabetic drugs on the World Health Organization (WHO) list of essential medicines. Metformin is an antihyperglycemic agent which improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes, lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. However, we still do not completely understand its mechanisms of action. The main effect of this drug from the biguanide family is to acutely decrease hepatic glucose production, mostly through a mild and transient inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I. In addition, the resulting decrease in hepatic energy status activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), a cellular metabolic sensor, providing a generally accepted mechanism for the action of metformin on hepatic gluconeogenesis. The use of metformin, the most commonly prescribed drug for type 2 diabetes, was repeatedly associated with the decreased risk of the occurrence of various types of cancers, especially of pancreas and colon and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Metformin is the most widely used drug to treat type 2 diabetes, and is one of only two oral antidiabetic drugs on the World Health Organization (WHO) list of essential medicines. Metformin is an antihyperglycemic agent which improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes, lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. However, we still do not completely understand its mechanisms of action. The main effect of this drug from the biguanide family is to acutely decrease hepatic glucose production, mostly through a mild and transient inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I. In addition, the resulting decrease in hepatic energy status activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), a cellular metabolic sensor, providing a generally accepted mechanism for the action of metformin on hepatic gluconeogenesis. The use of metformin, the most commonly prescribed drug for type 2 diabetes, was repeatedly associated with the decreased risk of the occurrence of various types of cancers, especially of pancreas and colon and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Metformin is the most widely used drug to treat type 2 diabetes, and is one of only two oral antidiabetic drugs on the World Health Organization (WHO) list of essential medicines. Metformin is an antihyperglycemic agent which improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes, lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. However, we still do not completely understand its mechanisms of action. The main effect of this drug from the biguanide family is to acutely decrease hepatic glucose production, mostly through a mild and transient inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I. In addition, the resulting decrease in hepatic energy status activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), a cellular metabolic sensor, providing a generally accepted mechanism for the action of metformin on hepatic gluconeogenesis. The use of metformin, the most commonly prescribed drug for type 2 diabetes, was repeatedly associated with the decreased risk of the occurrence of various types of cancers, especially of pancreas and colon and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Phenformin is a biguanide hypoglycemic agent with actions and uses similar to those of metformin. It activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibits mTORC1 signaling. Phenformin used for the treatment of diabetes. Phenformin was removed from the U.S. market 20 years ago because of a high incidence of lactic acidosis. Risk factors for the development of lactic acidosis include renal deficiency, hepatic disease, cardiac disease, and drug interaction such as cimetidine. Phenformin exerts potential anti-neoplastic action.

Rebamipide, an amino acid derivative of 2-(1H)-quinolinone, is used for mucosal protection, healing of gastroduodenal ulcers, and treatment of gastritis. It works by enhancing mucosal defense, scavenging free radicals, and temporarily activating genes encoding cyclooxygenase-2. Rebamipide is used in a number of Asian countries including Japan (marketed as Mucosta), South Korea, China, and India (where it is marketed under the trade name Rebagen). It is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States. Studies have shown that rebamipide can fight the damaging effects of NSAIDs on the GIT mucosa.

Buformin (1-butylbiguanide) is an oral antidiabetic drug of the biguanide class. AMPK activator. AMPK is a potential therapeutic target in the prevention and the treatment of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Major classes of antidiabetic drugs have been reported to activate AMPK. Buformin exerts its anti-tumorigenic activity via activation of AMPK and inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathways in endometrial cancer cells. Toxicity: guinea pig LD50 subcutaneous 18 mg/kg; mouse LD50 intraperitoneal 140 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg oral. Buformin was withdrawn from the market in many countries due to an elevated risk of causing lactic acidosis.