Long COVID describes symptoms that persist for weeks or months after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Common problems include fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, and exercise intolerance. Millions of people worldwide report long COVID symptoms, and treatment remains largely symptom-based while researchers work to understand what drives the condition.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing antivirals like Paxlovid given months after infection, anticoagulants for microclotting, medications that target immune system overactivity, and drugs that improve mitochondrial function. Researchers are studying whether viral persistence, immune dysfunction, autoantibodies, or blood vessel damage explains the symptoms. Some trials focus on specific symptoms like brain fog or exercise intolerance.
Antiviral repurposing
Studies are testing whether antivirals like Paxlovid, given long after acute infection, can reduce symptoms if viral fragments persist in the body. Early trials have shown mixed results.
Microclotting and blood flow
Research suggests some people with long COVID have tiny clots or blood vessel dysfunction. Trials are testing anticoagulants and drugs that improve blood flow to see if they relieve fatigue and brain fog.
Immune dysfunction
Studies are examining whether long COVID involves ongoing immune activation or autoantibodies that attack the body's own tissues. Trials are testing immunomodulatory drugs used in other autoimmune conditions.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically requires documented prior COVID-19 infection and symptoms lasting at least three months, with specific trials focused on particular symptom clusters or severity levels.
What types of trials are currently open
- Antiviral trials — Testing whether antivirals taken months after infection can reduce long COVID symptoms if viral persistence is involved.
- Anticoagulation trials — Testing blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs to address potential microclotting and blood flow problems.
- Immune modulation trials — Testing drugs that calm immune system activity or remove autoantibodies.
- Symptom-specific trials — Focused studies testing treatments for specific problems like brain fog, fatigue, or post-exertional malaise.
- Mechanistic studies — Studies collecting blood, imaging, and other data to understand what causes long COVID and who is at risk.
Recently added Long Covid 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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