Long COVID — formally designated post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) — refers to persistent symptoms lasting 12 or more weeks after acute COVID-19 infection. An estimated 5–10% of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop long COVID, creating a global health burden of tens of millions of patients with persistent fatigue, cognitive impairment ("brain fog"), breathlessness, palpitations, post-exertional malaise, and autonomic dysfunction. The NIH has committed over $1.15 billion through the RECOVER Initiative to understand and treat long COVID.
Active trials through the RECOVER-VITAL platform test antiviral therapy (extended-course nirmatrelvir/ritonavir), antihistamines for mast cell activation syndrome-related symptoms, pacing and graded exercise rehabilitation, low-dose naltrexone for neuroinflammation, metformin (with early data suggesting benefit if started acutely), stellate ganglion block for autonomic symptoms, and SSRIs for dysautonomia. Biomarker studies investigate viral persistence, microbiome disruption, and autoantibody generation as mechanistic targets.
Long COVID trials typically require symptom onset ≥12 weeks after documented SARS-CoV-2 infection with persistent symptoms; conditions like myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) with viral trigger may also be eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions — long covid syndrome Clinical Trials
How many clinical trials are currently recruiting for long covid syndrome?
ClinicalMetric currently tracks 1 actively recruiting clinical trials for long covid syndrome, sourced in real time from ClinicalTrials.gov. The total number of registered studies—including those not yet enrolling or in active follow-up—is 1. Trial availability changes daily as new studies open enrollment and existing ones reach capacity.
What trial phases are available for long covid syndrome?
long covid syndrome research spans multiple clinical trial phases. Phase 1 studies evaluate safety and dosing in small groups, Phase 2 studies assess preliminary efficacy in 100–300 participants, and Phase 3 trials compare the new treatment against the standard of care in 300–3,000+ patients. Phase 4 post-approval studies monitor long-term outcomes in real-world populations.
How do I find out if I qualify for a long covid syndrome clinical trial?
Eligibility criteria for long covid syndrome trials vary by study and typically specify age range, disease stage or severity, prior treatment history, and specific diagnostic or laboratory parameters. Each listing on ClinicalMetric links to the full protocol on ClinicalTrials.gov, where inclusion and exclusion criteria are documented. Contact the sponsoring site's research coordinator directly to confirm your eligibility—your treating physician or specialist can also help identify the most appropriate trial based on your medical history and current treatment status.
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ClinicalMetric — Independent clinical trial intelligence platform. Not affiliated with NIH, ClinicalTrials.gov, the U.S. FDA, or any pharmaceutical company, hospital, or clinical research organization. Trial data is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not make any treatment, enrollment, or health decisions based solely on information found here — always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
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Last Reviewed: April 2026 ·
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