Baricitinib for Long COVID-related memory and thinking problems
Official title: REVERSE-Long COVID: A Multicenter Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Immunomodulation (with Baricitinib) for Long COVID Related ADRD
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11303303 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Seeing if the medicine baricitinib can help adults with Long COVID who have new or worsening memory, thinking, or breathing problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $6,778,156 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG085873-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11303303 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older with Long COVID who have new or worsening cognitive problems or cardiopulmonary symptoms after COVID-19 are the likely candidates for this trial.
✕Less likely to help
People without Long COVID symptoms, those under 21, pregnant people, or anyone with medical reasons that make baricitinib unsafe (for example active serious infection or certain immune problems) are unlikely to benefit from joining.
What this research studies
If you had COVID and now have lasting problems with thinking, memory, or physical endurance, this trial will randomly give participants either baricitinib or a placebo to compare outcomes. Baricitinib is a pill that dampens specific immune signals (JAK1/2) that may drive ongoing inflammation in the brain and lungs after infection. Participants will have regular clinic visits for cognitive tests, physical function measurements, and safety checks while on the drug or placebo. The study aims to see whether reducing inflammation improves cognitive symptoms and cardiopulmonary function compared with placebo.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce inflammation and improve thinking, memory, and physical function in people with Long COVID.
How similar studies have gone: Baricitinib is already approved for acute COVID-19 and some autoimmune diseases and has shown anti-inflammatory effects, but using it to treat Long COVID-related dementia symptoms is a relatively new and unproven approach.
Where this research is happening
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Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ely, E Wesley — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ely, E Wesley
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Defining neutrophil biology in pediatric Long COVID
This project looks at why some kids develop Long COVID by studying neutrophils to help find new ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
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Advancing Long COVID Care in Our Community through Access and Collaboration
A community-focused project to make long COVID care more accessible and equitable for people in St. Louis and rural Missouri.
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Pediatric Long COVID Care Network: Improving access and coordinated care for children
A nationwide pediatric program is testing a patient-centered, multi-disciplinary approach to help children with long COVID, especially in underserved communities.
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Comunidad: Expanding Long COVID care in underserved South Texas
A new program will broaden and coordinate Long COVID care for underserved communities in San Antonio and South Texas to improve access and outcomes.
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Atlanta Long COVID Coordinated Care Model for Diverse Populations
A regional program in Atlanta aims to improve access and coordination of care for people with Long COVID, especially in underserved communities.
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Long COVID Care Resources and Education to Improve Community Health
A program to support federally-qualified health centers in providing better Long COVID care through education, a shared hub, and easy referral pathways for underserved communities.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.