Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, May 3: In a major step toward combating Long Covid, a team of US scientists has launched a clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a long-acting monoclonal antibody, sipavibart, in treating the complex condition that has impacted at least 65 million people globally.

The trial is being conducted by researchers from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Florida in collaboration with the Schmidt Initiative for Long Covid (SILC). The multi-year study, cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) earlier this year, has enrolled 100 patients who continue to experience a wide range of lingering symptoms long after recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

“Like many multi-symptom, post-viral conditions, Long Covid is incredibly complicated and thus little understood,” said Nancy Klimas, director of NSU’s Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine. “Finding a treatment will be life-changing for patients suffering from the myriad symptoms of Long Covid.”

The experimental antibody, sipavibart developed by British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca — has already been approved for Covid-19 prevention in Japan and the European Union. This is one of three major Long Covid treatment trials expected to begin in 2025.

“Long Covid affects at least 65 million people worldwide, and with more than 200 symptoms, the health impacts of the disease can be debilitating,” said Dr John Redd, CEO of SILC.

Highlighting the broader vision of the research, Dr Ken Dawson-Scully, NSU’s Senior VP for Research and associate provost, added: “This trial represents our overall commitment to addressing the most pressing health challenges of our time. We're leveraging our research expertise to potentially transform treatment options for millions suffering from Long Covid, advance knowledge, and improve patient outcomes.”

The trial brings new hope to patients struggling with persistent symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive impairment, shortness of breath, and cardiovascular complications.