MRNA - NIH launches $1.2B long COVID study involving nearly 40000 patients

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) aims to enroll nearly 40,000 people this year as part of one of the largest research efforts to understand long COVID, a condition affecting an estimated one in five COVID-19 survivors aged 18 – 64 in the U.S.

The $1.15B government funded study called Recover is expected to recruit more than 17,000 adults by September and 20,000 children by the end of the year, CNBC reported Friday. Asof this week, 5,317 adults and 269 children have been enrolled, about 15% of the target.

The findings of the trial could help develop diagnostic tests and treatments for patients suffering from long COVID, a condition characterized by hundreds of different symptoms such as fatigue, chest pain, and brain fog lasting more than three months.

If the researchers can come up with clinical definitions for multiple long-term symptoms linked to COVID, the patients will be in a better position to negotiate with health insurers to seek coverage for their treatments and getting disability claims approved.

Pharma giants Pfizer ( NYSE: PFE ) and Roche ( OTCQX:RHHBY ) ( OTCQX:RHHBF ) have previously indicated interest to develop treatments for long COVID.

Vaccine maker Moderna ( MRNA ) has donated its mRNA-based shot for use in a U.K.-based long COVID study, Reuters reported in March.

Developers of COVID antibody therapies GSK ( GSK )/ Vir Biotechnology ( VIR ) and Humanigen ( HGEN ) have reportedly discussed with researchers the potential of using their current medications in long COVID studies.

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