University embarks on ground-breaking long Covid research project

A ground-breaking research project led by the University of Derby, which aims to find a treatment for symptoms of long Covid, is underway.

The £1.25 million trial, which is the first of its kind in the UK, is exploring whether anti-viral medications can be used as an effective treatment option for patients diagnosed with long Covid.

It is estimated that over two million people in the UK and more than 144 million globally live with long Covid and almost a quarter of sufferers have had their symptoms for more than two years.

Symptoms are broad and include extreme fatigue and breathlessness, palpitations and brain fog.

Study lead Mark Faghy, professor in clinical exercise science at the University of Derby, said: “The impact long Covid has on the lives of patients is huge.

“For many, it can be debilitating, interfering with work, family life, and socialising, and millions are suffering across the world. Yet, at present, there are no confirmed treatments for the condition.

“Five years on from the start of the pandemic, long Covid remains a significant health and societal challenge, which is why this project is so important.”

The trial is part of a wider programme of ground-breaking research being led by the University of Derby.

Involving 72 patients, the research is trialling the use of an anti-viral drug that can be given to those admitted to hospital because of a Covid-19 infection.

As most people experience a community infection and are not hospitalised, they do not have a way to access to this medication.

By taking the drug out of the acute admission setting, the researchers are hoping to see whether it can help those living with long Covid and alleviate some of the symptoms that they are living with.

During the trial, patients undergo a series of assessments at the University of Derby’s specialist facilities before attending the hospital to receive the anti-viral drug intravenously for five consecutive days which are delivered in collaboration with experts from University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust.

Professor Faghy said: “This is an ongoing project with various phases and is still in its infancy, but we are excited to have taken the first steps to hopefully improve the quality of life for those living with long Covid.”