Innovative Trials:
Research and Clinical Insights on Long COVID Therapy
Candace Rond, Bateman Horne Center’s Research Manager and Jennifer Bell Clinical Manager and Medical Provider
The Research
In the summer of 2022, the Bateman Horne Center (BHC) carried out an initial study using two common medications: valacyclovir and celecoxib. Valacyclovir is typically used to treat viral infections like herpes, while celecoxib is often used for pain relief and inflammation. The goal was to see if this combination could help manage symptoms of Long COVID by keeping certain viruses inactive.
Valacyclovir helps by stopping viruses from making more copies of themselves, while celecoxib can stop processes that these viruses use to grow. The early results were promising, showing a reduction in fatigue, pain, and other symptoms in participants compared to those who received standard care (treatment that is accepted by medical experts as a proper treatment for a certain disease).
To build on these findings, we launched a more rigorous type of study called a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in October 2023. This means that the study included a group receiving the treatment and another group receiving a placebo (a harmless, inactive substance) that looked the same. Neither the participants nor the staff knew who was receiving the actual treatment until the end of the study, ensuring unbiased results.
We focused on 59 women with Long COVID symptoms to minimize differences introduced by sex in this relatively small study. The final participant is expected to complete the trial in October, after which we’ll analyze the data. We aim to publish the results in early 2025.
Initial Promising Findings
An intriguing aspect of Long COVID treatment is the concept of “viral persistence.” This refers to the continued presence or activation of SARS-CoV-2 or dormant viruses, like Epstein-Barr Virus or herpes viruses, in the body post-infection. In certain individuals, these viruses evade immune suppression, contributing to prolonged symptoms of Long COVID.
Diagnosing viral persistence can be complex, often involving an assessment of symptoms, lab results, responses to past antiviral treatments, and vaccine responses, to gauge potential suitability for antiviral therapies. The effectiveness of antiviral treatment varies significantly among different viruses; thus, additional research and the development of new antiviral therapies are essential.
The initial valacyclovir/celecoxib study did show promising results, and we are eager to see the results of the second, larger study. Regardless of the results, antiviral studies like this are critical to further our understanding of Long COVID and how best to find meaningful treatments.
Special thanks to Dr. Lucinda Bateman, the principal investigator (lead researcher), and the entire BHC research team for their dedication to this important work. This study was supported by a grant from Virios Therapeutics, helping us advance our understanding and treatment of Long COVID.
For more information, you can check the detailed study description on the ClinicalTrials.gov website here. Other research opportunities can be found on our website, https://batemanhornecenter.org/research/.