Long COVID Treatment Trials Set to Start

Long COVID Treatment Trials Set to Start

New Clinical Trials Open for Long COVID Treatment: A Glimmer of Hope for Patients

Long COVID

Enrollment has finally opened for four clinical trials aimed at evaluating new treatments for long COVID, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced in a media briefing today. These trials, part of the NIH’s Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) Initiative, come after Congress approved $1.15 billion in funding for the NIH to research and test treatments for long COVID in December 2020.

The new clinical trials, classified as phase II, are designed to test the safety and effectiveness of potential treatments. However, while this announcement brings hope to many long COVID patients, some advocates are concerned that the process is progressing too slowly. The Long COVID Alliance expressed both encouragement and concern, stating, “Today’s announcement unfortunately leaves many important questions unanswered and seems fraught with the same lack of transparency that has become all-too-familiar with RECOVER and its $1.15 billion budget.”

Long COVID patients have become increasingly frustrated with the lack of effective treatments, leading some doctors to resort to off-label use of certain drugs in an attempt to alleviate symptoms. The urgency for effective solutions is evident, and these clinical trials are a step towards addressing this pressing need.

The NIH has acknowledged the challenge of accurately estimating the number of individuals with long COVID. Walter J. Koroshetz, MD, director of the NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and co-lead of the RECOVER Initiative, noted during the briefing that the incidence of long COVID seems to be higher in those infected with the Delta variant. Estimates suggest that 5 to 10% of individuals who contract COVID-19 develop long COVID, although Koroshetz acknowledges that solid numbers are difficult to obtain due to the evolving nature of the virus.

Let’s delve into each of the four trials:

RECOVER-VITAL: Targeting Viral Persistence

The RECOVER-VITAL trial aims to focus on a treatment for viral persistence, a condition in which the virus lingers in the body, compromising the proper functioning of the immune system. One potential treatment being tested in this trial is a longer dose regimen of Paxlovid, an antiviral drug currently used to treat mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. The trial aims to determine if this extended dosing regimen can halt the progression of long COVID, preventing it from developing into a severe condition.

RECOVER-NEURO: Addressing Brain Fog and Cognitive Challenges

In the RECOVER-NEURO trial, researchers will evaluate treatments for the cognitive symptoms associated with long COVID, including brain fog, memory problems, and attention challenges. One potential treatment being studied is BrainHQ, a web-based training program. Additionally, PASC-Cognitive Recovery, a web-based program developed by Mount Sinai Health System in New York, will be evaluated. Furthermore, a direct current stimulation program designed to improve brain activity will undergo testing in this trial.

RECOVER-SLEEP: Treating Sleep Issues

Sleep issues can be a significant problem for individuals with long COVID, and the RECOVER-SLEEP trial aims to identify effective treatments for these issues. Among the treatments to be studied are melatonin, light therapy, and an educational coaching system. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as daytime sleepiness and other sleep-related problems will be included in this trial.

RECOVER-AUTONOMIC: Addressing Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunctions

The RECOVER-AUTONOMIC trial will focus on treating symptoms related to autonomic nervous system issues, including disorders like postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). POTS is characterized by irregular heartbeat, fatigue, and dizziness. The trial will evaluate a treatment for POTS, as well as a drug used for immune disease and another currently prescribed for chronic heart failure.

Timelines and Future Trials

The first trial, RECOVER-VITAL, has already been launched, according to Kanecia Zimmerman, MD, a principal investigator at the Duke Clinical Research Institute. Dr. Zimmerman also mentioned that the second trial, RECOVER-NEURO, is expected to be launched soon. The RECOVER-SLEEP and RECOVER-AUTONOMIC trials are scheduled to launch in the coming months. Additionally, plans are underway for a trial to study exercise intolerance reported by many long COVID patients.

Despite the promising news of these clinical trials, the Long COVID Alliance expressed disappointment over the lack of detailed timelines for producing results. They noted that enrollment would begin over the next several months, suggesting that it may still be at least a year until meaningful results can benefit the millions of people suffering from long COVID. With long COVID being a persistent condition for over four years now, such a delay is deemed unacceptable by the patient community.

If you are interested in participating in long COVID trials, detailed information is available here.

Finally, while the road to effective long COVID treatments may still be challenging, the launch of these clinical trials provides a glimmer of hope for patients. With a better understanding of the debilitating effects of long COVID, the medical community can strive towards providing relief and improving the quality of life for those afflicted with this condition.

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