Nitazoxanide as Adjuvant Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

A Clinical Study Evaluating the Potential Benefit of Nitazoxanide in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and abnormalities in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Despite the advancement in anti-diabetic drug therapy, most patients fail to achieve optimal glycemic control. This highlights the need for more effective strategies to control type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Nitazoxanide (NTZ), a broad-spectrum anti-infective drug with activity against various protozoa, helminthes, bacteria, and viruses, was identified as peroxisome proliferative activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist using one dimensional drug profile matching. Additionally, it improved insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant type 2 diabetic rats. Therefore, this study is designed to evaluate the efficacy of nitazoxanide as adjunctive therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) between 7% and 9%.
• Body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant or nursing women.
• Type 1 diabetes mellitus.
• Liver disease (alanine aminotransferase > 3 upper normal limit).
• Kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2).
• Inflammatory bowel diseases.
• History of allergy and/or adverse reactions to the drugs used in the study.