Testing a new treatment for long-term COVID symptoms and immune problems

Plain-English translation of NCT05926505 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated January 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 3 — Testing in thousands of people, comparing the treatment against what doctors currently use. This is the last big step before approval.

What is this trial?

This study is testing whether a medication called anakinra can help people who are still experiencing symptoms months after COVID-19 infection. Anakinra works by calming down an overactive immune response, which researchers believe may be causing persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, and other long-term effects. About half of participants will receive the medication, and half will receive a placebo (an inactive shot) to see if anakinra truly makes a difference.

Many people continue to suffer from exhausting symptoms long after their initial COVID-19 infection, and doctors don't yet have an effective treatment. Early research suggests that this medication might reduce these lasting symptoms by calming the body's immune system, which may stay overactive even after the virus is gone.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years or older
you had confirmed COVID-19 at least 90 days ago
you have had long-COVID symptoms lasting more than 2 months that interfere with your daily life
you have specific blood test results and either reduced lung function, lung inflammation on imaging, or limited exercise capacity
you are willing to use reliable contraception for at least 3 months after treatment ends (if you can become pregnant or father children)

You likely don't qualify if…

you have or have had certain serious lung or heart conditions before COVID-19 (including pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, chronic heart failure, or severe COPD)
you have untreated tuberculosis or a positive tuberculosis test
you are currently taking high-dose steroid medications or certain immune-suppressing treatments
you have active cancer, serious liver or kidney disease, or a primary immune deficiency
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or cannot use contraception as required

What participation looks like

You will receive either the medication or a placebo as a daily injection under the skin for 4 weeks. The trial involves visits where doctors will test your lung function, measure how far you can walk, check your blood work, and assess how your symptoms are changing. The entire study will follow your progress for several weeks to see if the treatment safely improves your breathing, energy levels, and ability to do everyday activities.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 3, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(24 sites)

Germany

Out-patient long-COVID department, Jena University Hospital, Jena

Greece

Out-patient long-COVID department, Patras University General Hospital, Pátrai, Achaia

Out-patient long-COVID department III, Evangelismos Athens General Hospital, Athens, Attica

Out-patient long-COVID department I, Sotiria Athens Hospital of Chest Diseases, Athens, Attica

Out-patient long-COVID department II, Sotiria Athens Hospital of Chest Diseases, Athens, Attica