← Pipeline
Registered human trialActive, not recruitingNo efficacy data yet

Phase 3 platform

OCTOPUS

Metformin + R/S alpha-lipoic acid

Practical availability: Research record — not presented as established care

Compound / intervention
Metformin + R/S alpha-lipoic acid
Mechanism
Metabolic and antioxidant repurposing
Development stage
Phase 3 platform
Status
Active • Stage 1 analysis in progress
Population / locations
Sites: United Kingdom • no Greek site
Evidence level
Human Phase 3 platform • Stage 1 efficacy decision pending
Next substantive checkpoint

Go/no-go decision for the initial arms around October 2026

University / investigatorOpen source ↗Last checked: 16 Sep 2026

Related substantive developments

Registered human trialActive, not recruitingNo efficacy data yet

Phase 3 platform

OCTOPUS: the first interim metformin/ALA analysis is scheduled for September 2026

The OCTOPUS Stage 1 analysis in progressive MS will assess metformin and alpha-lipoic acid. In addition to brain-atrophy MRI, the plan now includes EDSS, Timed 25-Foot Walk and 9-Hole Peg Test measures.

Practical availability: Research record — not presented as established care

What this means clinically

This is one of the nearest important milestones in progressive MS. Stage 1 may decide which arm continues, but it is not a final Phase 3 result.

Source quality: High for trial status • official academic update

University / investigatorOCTOPUS Trial / UCL ↗