Clinical Trials

In RECOVER clinical trials, people with Long COVID volunteer to take medicines, use medical devices, or try other therapies to see if these study treatments improve their health.

The RECOVER Clinical Trials (RECOVER-CT) program launched in July 2023 and its trials are ongoing. The design of these trials is informed by findings from other RECOVER studies and conversations with people living with Long COVID. Researchers are testing the safety and effectiveness of 13 possible treatments across 8 trials covering 5 types of symptoms.

Autonomic dysfunction: Dizziness, fast heart rate, shortness of breath, upset stomach, or other changes in automatic body functions.

Cognitive dysfunction: Brain fog (having difficulty concentrating, thinking clearly, or remembering things) and other symptoms related to brain function.

Exercise intolerance and fatigue: Tiredness or low energy that interferes with daily activities.

Sleep disturbances: Changes in sleep patterns or the ability to sleep.

Viral persistence: When SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, stays in the body and damages organs or affects the immune system.

In August 2024, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) launched RECOVER-Treating Long COVID (RECOVER-TLC), which is led by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). RECOVER-TLC is working with patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, researchers, government officials, and private industry to plan the next phase of RECOVER clinical trials.

RECOVER-TLC has received more than 500 ideas for possible treatments from the Long COVID community. Anyone can share their ideas for treating Long COVID symptoms using the RECOVER-TLC Intervention Information Request Form.

Each RECOVER clinical trial uses a research protocol. A protocol is a step-by-step plan that researchers follow when conducting research. Protocols help keep clinical trials on track while protecting the safety of study participants and ensuring the quality of study results.

Read more about the design of the first 8 RECOVER clinical trials at the RECOVER-CT website.

RECOVER-CT trials are local and site-based, meaning enrollment takes place via recruiting efforts at multiple locations across the country. Each trial uses different criteria to determine who would be a good fit for participation.

Visit the RECOVER-CT website for more information about participating and to sign up for updates.