Evaluation of the pharmacokinetics of metformin and acarbose in the common marmoset.

Metformin has beneficial effects on several age-related diseases (e.g., diabetes, obesity, cancer) and extends lifespan in nematodes and mice. Acarbose, an FDA-approved agent for treating type 2 diabetes, prevents breakdown of complex carbohydrates. Both compounds have been suggested as potential anti-aging interventions and acarbose has been shown to extend mouse longevity by the Intervention Testing Program (ITP). One potential next step is to assess the effect of these interventions on healthspan and lifespan in non-human primates. The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a small new world monkey with a relatively short life span and small size, both valuable for the translation potential of this nonhuman primate species for the study of aging and chronic disease. However, the dosing and assessment of potential side effects of either metformin or acarbose in this species have yet to be assessed. This study evaluated the pharmacokinetics of two dosage levels each of metformin or acarbose (given separately) in two small groups of young marmosets (n = 5/group) treated for 24 h to define the pharmacokinetics of each drug. The ability to rapidly and reliably dose socially housed marmosets with an oral form of acarbose or metformin that is well tolerated indicates that this species is a reliable model for testing acarbose and metformin in a safe and efficient way in a long-term intervention.