COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and ranges from mild respiratory illness to severe pneumonia and multi-organ failure. While vaccines and antivirals have transformed the acute phase of illness, research continues on better treatments, long-term effects, and variant-resistant vaccines.
What's actually going on in research
Oral antiviral treatments including nirmatrelvir-ritonavir are now standard for high-risk patients with early COVID-19, and research is expanding their use and testing next-generation antivirals. mRNA vaccine platforms are being updated for emerging variants and tested in combination with mucosal and intranasal vaccines that may block infection in the upper airway. Long COVID remains an active research area, with trials testing anti-inflammatory drugs, antivirals, pacing strategies, and vagus nerve stimulation to address persistent symptoms.
Next-generation antivirals
Trials are testing new oral protease inhibitors and RNA polymerase blockers for COVID-19 that may work against emerging variants with fewer drug interactions than current antivirals.
Mucosal vaccines
Nasal spray and inhaled vaccines are in trials to produce immune protection at the site of infection — the upper airway — potentially blocking transmission and infection where injected vaccines are less effective.
Long COVID treatment
Trials are testing low-dose naltrexone, antivirals, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pacing rehabilitation programs to treat the fatigue, cognitive fog, and autonomic symptoms of Long COVID.
What to know before you search
Eligibility for acute treatment trials typically requires confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, symptom onset within a defined window, and risk factors for severe disease or specific symptom patterns for Long COVID trials.
What types of trials are currently open
- Antiviral trials — Testing new oral or IV antivirals to reduce severity and duration of acute COVID-19 illness.
- Vaccine trials — Evaluating updated mRNA, protein, and mucosal vaccines for emerging variants and broader protection.
- Hospitalized patient trials — Testing treatments to prevent severe disease, mechanical ventilation, and death in hospitalized patients.
- Long COVID trials — Testing pharmacological and rehabilitation interventions for persistent post-COVID symptoms.
- Prevention trials — Evaluating pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure treatment to prevent infection in high-risk groups.
Recently added Covid-19 trials
A Study of How Ibuzatrelvir is Taken up Into the Blood of Healthy Adults After Taking Different Tablets of Ibuzatrelvir
Healthy adults will be enrolled into this open-label, Phase 1 research study. Participants will spend about 9 nights and 10 days in the clinical research unit (CRU) and the total time in the study will be about 11 weeks. The goal of this clinical trial is to compare how much of the study drug ibuzatrelvir is in participants' blood after taking one of the two different types of tablets containing the same amount of ibuzatrelvir without food. The study will also measure how much ibuzatrelvir is in participants' blood after taking one type of the tablets dispersed in water and when one type of the tablets is taken with food. This study drug is taken by mouth.
Physical Functions and Lifestyle Behaviours in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome Based on Circadian Rhythms
Post-COVID-19 syndrome is associated with persistent symptoms such as fatigue, reduced physical activity, and impaired respiratory function. Circadian rhythm differences (chronotype) may influence lifestyle behaviors including physical activity, nutrition, and sleep patterns. This observational cross-sectional study aims to compare respiratory muscle strength, physical activity levels, and nutritional habits among individuals with post-COVID-19 syndrome according to their chronotype (morning, intermediate, and evening types). Additionally, genetic analysis of the CLOCK gene polymorphism will be performed to support objective evaluation of circadian rhythm differences. The findings of this study may help to better understand the role of circadian rhythm in post-COVID-19 syndrome and contribute to the development of individualized rehabilitation and lifestyle interventions.
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