NIH Launches Trials for Long COVID Treatment Breakthroughs

March 13, 2024

Yesterday, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) posted a news release announcing that they have initiated two phase 2 clinical trials, part of the RECOVER Initiative, to assess treatments for autonomic nervous system dysfunction in Long Covid patients. The two trials, collectively known as RECOVER-AUTONOMIC, are testing three potential treatments in adults who, following COVID-19, now have postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). These trials aim to address symptoms like rapid heart rate, dizziness, and fatigue, which are debilitating for many Long Covid sufferers.

The trials will initially examine three potential treatments:

• Gamunex-C, a form of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), contains antibodies to help the body protect itself against infection from various diseases and is given by intravenous infusion.
• Ivabradine, an oral medication that reduces heart rate.
• Coordinator-guided, non-drug care, which includes a series of activities managed through weekly phone calls with a care coordinator, such as wearing a compression belt and eating a high-salt diet, which are recommended for patients with POTS to counteract excessive loss of fluids.

Participants will be randomly assigned to receive these treatments and monitored for effectiveness. The trials, called RECOVER-AUTONOMIC, will enroll 380 participants across 50 sites in the U.S., prioritizing diverse representation. This effort is part of the broader NIH RECOVER Initiative, aimed at understanding and treating Long Covid. The initiative aligns with the National Research Action Plan and aims to provide comprehensive support for individuals experiencing Long Covid symptoms.

Citation for report:

National Institutes of Health. NIH opens long COVID trials to evaluate treatments for autonomic nervous system dysfunction