Researchers are launching a new study to investigate whether GLP-1 drugs, already approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity, could help treat long COVID symptoms.
The medications are currently being studied for multiple conditions, including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, liver disease and addiction. Now, scientists at Scripps Research are exploring their potential benefits for long COVID patients.
An estimated 20 million Americans have been diagnosed with long COVID, experiencing symptoms including fatigue, brain fog, headache, shortness of breath, and joint and muscle pain.
“I really hope that this is the first successful clinical trial that can make a big difference for people with long COVID,” said Julia Moore Vogel, Ph.D., Scripps Research Senior Program Director.
Moore Vogel brings a unique perspective to the research as both a program director and a long COVID patient.
“I myself have had long COVID for five years and I deeply understand how difficult it is,” Moore Vogel said. “I’m hoping that even just seeing the trial happening now can provide people hope.”
According to Moore Vogel, anecdotal evidence has emerged over the past few years from people taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Zepbound for weight loss who reported additional improvements.
“There have been cases about it helping with autoimmune conditions, decreasing rates of cancer, helping decrease addiction and so we basically don’t fully understand what is happening with these drugs,” Moore Vogel said.
The digital clinical trial is designed to be accessible to participants nationwide.
“People can do this from their couch or their bed or wherever they are and this is especially important for people with long COVID who have a lot of energy limitations,” Moore Vogel explained.
The study is open to participants across the United States, except Hawaii. All necessary materials will be shipped directly to participants’ homes.
The research is structured as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
“So we won’t know who’s on the drug or the placebo, half the people will be on the drug, half the people will be on the placebo,” Moore Vogel said.
Participants will complete check-ins through video chats and wear a monitoring device, similar to a Garmin watch, to track their weight.
“If it is successful, we would be interested in expanding to other conditions that are infection-associated,” she added.
Scripps Research aims to recruit 1,000 participants for the trial. Eligibility requirements include:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must live in the United States
- Must have documentation confirming a long COVID diagnosis
Click here to learn more about how to participate in the trial.