COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, emerged in 2019 and has since become endemic. Most people now have some immunity from vaccines or prior infection. Treatment has advanced significantly, with antiviral pills, monoclonal antibodies, and better supportive care reducing severe illness and death in vulnerable groups.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing next-generation vaccines that may cover multiple variants and last longer, antiviral drugs that work against resistant strains, treatments for long COVID symptoms that persist after infection, and therapies to prevent severe disease in people with weak immune systems. Researchers are also studying how the virus affects the brain, heart, and other organs months after infection.
Long COVID treatments
Studies are testing medications for fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, and other symptoms that can last months or years. Trials include antivirals, anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and supplements aimed at restoring energy production in cells.
Pan-coronavirus vaccines
Researchers are developing vaccines that protect against multiple coronaviruses, including variants that don't exist yet. These could prevent future pandemics and reduce the need for frequent boosters.
Immune-compromised protection
Trials are testing longer-acting monoclonal antibodies and other approaches for people whose immune systems can't respond well to vaccines. This includes people with cancer, organ transplants, or on immunosuppressive drugs.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on vaccination status, prior COVID infections, age, underlying health conditions, and for long COVID trials, the duration and type of symptoms.
What types of trials are currently open
- Vaccine trials — Testing updated vaccines, nasal vaccines, and pan-coronavirus vaccines that may work against future variants.
- Antiviral trials — Testing new antiviral pills and infusions, especially for people who can't take nirmatrelvir-ritonavir or who have resistant virus.
- Long COVID trials — Testing treatments for persistent symptoms including fatigue, brain fog, breathing problems, and heart issues after acute infection.
- Prevention trials — Testing monoclonal antibodies and other approaches to prevent infection or severe disease in high-risk groups.
- Immune response studies — Following people over time to understand how immunity from vaccines and infection changes and what predicts protection.
Recently added Covid-19 trials
Try a micro-choice program designed to reduce fatigue
This proof-of-concept study aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and potential benefits of a novel multimodal approach: the micro-choice-based intervention.
Try a new care program designed for Long COVID heart symptoms
Some people who had COVID-19 continue to have symptoms for weeks, months, or even years after their infection. This is often called "Long COVID" or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). For some people, Long COVID can affect the heart and lungs, making it harder to exercise or carry out daily activities. It can also affect mental health and quality of life. This study is testing a new care model called PERCEIVE-Outreach, designed to help people living with Long COVID who may have ongoing heart or lung problems. The model involves three parts: 1. Screening: A simple assessment to identify people most likely to benefit from further care, based on symptoms and activity levels. 2. Clinical review: A thorough check of heart and lung health conducted remotely via telehealth. 3. Personalised exercise program: A tailored program to help improve fitness and reduce time spent sitting, delivered entirely via telehealth. The main thing this study is measuring is whether participants can walk further after 6 months compared to when they started (measured using a 6-minute walk test), which correlates well with an individuals ability to complete normal daily functions. The study will also look at quality of life, mental health, physical activity, heart function, and hospital visits over 2 years. The study is designed with input from patients and healthcare providers to ensure it meets real-world needs. All care is delivered remotely, meaning participants can take part from home anywhere in Australia.
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