The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative, known as the RECOVER Initiative, aimed at combating the long-term effects of COVID-19. As part of this endeavour, four new mid-stage trials have been initiated to tackle persistent symptoms such as sleep disturbances, exercise intolerance, and post-exertional malaise (PEM).
Focused on alleviating the debilitating effects of long COVID, these trials will explore a range of interventions targeting specific symptoms:
Sleep Disorders: Two trials will investigate the efficacy of FDA-approved drugs and therapies, including light treatment and melatonin, in improving sleep quality among individuals grappling with long-term COVID-related sleep disturbances.
Exercise Intolerance: Addressing the challenge of exercise intolerance, one trial will delve into personalized cardiopulmonary rehabilitation strategies, while another will explore the effectiveness of structured pacing techniques in reducing post-exertional malaise, a common symptom experienced by long COVID patients.
With the aim of enrolling approximately 1,660 participants across 50 sites, these trials represent a collaborative effort to advance our understanding of long COVID and develop effective treatments to improve the quality of life for those affected.
The RECOVER Initiative underscores the NIH’s commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by long COVID and marks a significant step forward in the quest to provide relief and support to individuals grappling with persistent symptoms in the aftermath of the pandemic.
