Metformin has been prescribed for over 60 years and is one of the most studied drugs in existence. But something kept showing up in the long-term data that nobody expected: patients on metformin weren't just managing their condition. They were showing significantly lower rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline than comparable patients on other treatments. In some observational studies, survival outcomes rivaled those of people without any diagnosis at all.
That anomaly launched a new conversation in longevity medicine, and eventually a clinical trial. The TAME trial (Targeting Aging with Metformin) is the first FDA-authorized study designed to treat aging itself as a medical condition. Out of every compound available, metformin is the one they chose.
At Obsidian Genetics, metformin is prescribed as part of a physician-supervised longevity and metabolic health protocol.
Includes ongoing provider care & support
FDA-approved medication · Platform access
Decades of data on one of the most prescribed drugs in history, and the results keep pointing in the same direction.
Metformin activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a master metabolic switch that promotes fat oxidation, glucose uptake, and mitochondrial efficiency. The effect closely mimics what happens during caloric restriction or fasting, without the starvation.
By suppressing mTOR, the cellular growth regulator, metformin promotes autophagy: the process by which cells clear out damaged proteins and dysfunctional components. This cellular "cleanup" is one of the most studied mechanisms in aging biology.
Metformin lowers circulating insulin and blood glucose by reducing hepatic glucose production. Chronically elevated insulin is a key driver of systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and accelerated biological aging. Metformin directly counteracts all three.
The TAME trial (Targeting Aging with Metformin) is widely described as the first clinical trial designed to treat aging as a medical condition, not just its downstream diseases. The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) is leading the multi-site study.
The researchers chose metformin. Not a novel biologic. Not a new molecular entity. A generic drug that costs less per month than a dinner out, because the existing data was compelling enough to justify a formal, FDA-supervised longevity trial.
That's the story behind the $75 price tag.
Pricing
One flat rate. Physician supervision, FDA-approved medication, and ongoing support included.
FDA-approved generic metformin. Physician consultation and provider support included.
Includes: physician consultation · FDA-approved medication · ongoing provider support · free shipping
Metformin has one of the longest and most well-characterized safety profiles of any prescription medication. Your provider will review your health history before prescribing.
Nausea, diarrhea, and GI discomfort are the most commonly reported side effects, particularly when starting or increasing the dose. These are typically transient and can be minimized by taking metformin with food and titrating the dose gradually.
Long-term metformin use can reduce B12 absorption. Annual B12 monitoring is recommended. If levels drop, supplementation is straightforward and your provider will advise based on your bloodwork.
Lactic acidosis is rare but serious, and the risk is elevated in patients with significant kidney or liver impairment, or those who consume alcohol heavily. Your provider will assess kidney function before prescribing and monitor it over time.
Metformin is not recommended for patients with an eGFR below 30 mL/min (severe kidney impairment) and should be used with caution in patients with eGFR 30–45. It is also not recommended for those with significant liver disease or a history of lactic acidosis. Alcohol should be avoided or minimized during metformin treatment due to increased lactic acidosis risk. Disclose your full medical history during your intake consultation — a prescription will only be issued if your provider determines metformin is appropriate for you.
Prescription Required. Metformin is a prescription medication. A valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is required before any medication is dispensed. Obsidian Genetics facilitates access to board-certified physicians who independently determine whether treatment is appropriate for each patient. We do not guarantee that a prescription will be issued.
FDA-Approved Medication. Metformin is an FDA-approved generic medication. It is not a compounded product. Obsidian Genetics dispenses FDA-approved generic metformin from licensed pharmacies.
Off-Label Use. Metformin is FDA-approved for the management of type 2 diabetes. Its use for longevity, anti-aging, weight management, and other indications referenced on this page is off-label. Off-label prescribing is legal and common medical practice. The TAME trial and other referenced studies represent ongoing or observational research; longevity benefits are not yet FDA-approved indications.
Results Disclaimer. Individual results vary. Clinical data and observational study outcomes referenced on this page may not reflect results for every patient. Mortality and cancer reduction statistics are derived from observational studies and do not establish direct causation. Consult your provider with any questions about your health or treatment plan.
Not Medical Advice. The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.