Investigating the use of Baricitinib to treat cognitive impairment after Long COVID
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-11004164 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for people who have memory and thinking problems after COVID-19 to see if a medication called Baricitinib can help improve their brain function and reduce symptoms of Alzheimer's and related conditions.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $6,107,805 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG085873-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004164 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing cognitive impairment or symptoms of ADRD following a COVID-19 infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced cognitive impairment or who are not affected by Long COVID may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on patients experiencing cognitive impairment and related conditions following COVID-19, known as Long COVID. It aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Baricitinib, an immunomodulator, in reducing symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) and improving overall cognitive function. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Baricitinib or a placebo, allowing researchers to assess the drug's impact on cognitive and physical health. The study will involve multiple medical centers to gather diverse data and ensure robust results.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for patients suffering from cognitive impairments related to Long COVID.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in using immunomodulators for similar conditions, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
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.