EMA Flags Investigation into Metformin

The European Medicines Agency confirmed that it is investigating the diabetes drug metformin for the presence of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

The agency noted that trace amounts of NDMA were found in “a small number of metformin diabetes medicines outside the EU,” but said the levels “appear to be within or even below the range that people can be exposed to from other sources, including certain foods and water.”

The agency said there are “no data indicating that EU metformin medicines are affected,” but that the agency is working with companies to test EU medicines.