Early antiviral treatment to prevent long COVID
Official title: Early antiviral treatment to prevent viral persistence and inflammation as drivers of Long COVID: a proof-of-concept mechanistic trial
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11329178 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A proof-of-concept study will test whether starting a 14-day oral antiviral early in COVID-19 can prevent the long-term persistence of the virus and chronic inflammation that lead to Long COVID.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | July 21, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,663,160 |
| NIH project number | 1U01AI192043-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11329178 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with acute COVID-19 who can safely take an oral antiviral and participate in home-based monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals with contraindications to antivirals, those not at risk of persistent infection, or those who do not complete the treatment course may see little or no benefit.
What this research studies
This study will enroll participants with acute COVID-19 in a single center and randomize them to receive a tissue-penetrant oral antiviral for 14 days or usual care. By tracking viral load, viral persistence, and inflammatory markers over time, researchers aim to understand if early antiviral treatment can reduce long-term health problems. The trial is home-based, allowing participants to stay at home while monitoring symptoms and biomarkers. If successful, it could point to a simple strategy to lower the risk of chronic post‑COVID conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce the chances of developing Long COVID and related complications by limiting viral persistence and inflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests that reducing early viral load may influence long-term outcomes, but this proof-of-concept trial seeks direct evidence in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peluso, Michael Joseph — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Peluso, Michael Joseph
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.