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Celiac Drug Shows Promise for Post-COVID Inflammation in Kids

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) occurs after COVID-19 infection in a rare subset of children. The symptoms include high fevers, rash, nausea, diarrhea, and cardiovascular injury.

A recent clinical trial found that larazotide, which was initially investigated to treat celiac disease, is safe and effective in treating MIS-C. Because of the rarity of MIS-C, the trial included 12 children with early-stage MIS-C. Those who received larazotide could more quickly clear SARS-CoV-2 particles, recover from gastrointestinal symptoms, and go back to regular activity. 

Larazotide works by improving the intestinal barrier. This can help prevent SARS-CoV-2 particles from leaving the intestines and entering the circulation.

Currently, larazotide hasn’t been FDA-approved for any indication, but it’s possible that in the future, it could have applications for various conditions related to long COVID.

Citation

Yonker, L. M., et al. (2025). Viral spike antigen clearance and augmented recovery in children with post-COVID multisystem inflammatory syndrome treated with larazotide. Science translational medicine, 17(809), eadu4284.