Treatment for long-term effects of COVID-19
Official title: Therapy for long-COVID in a preclinical model
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11136994 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a possible treatment using a compound called homotaurine to help people who are dealing with long-lasting brain fog, anxiety, and depression after having COVID-19, especially from the Omicron variant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | July 11, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $196,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI175920-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11136994 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 but are experiencing persistent neurological symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with COVID-19 or those without neurological symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates potential therapies for patients experiencing long-term neurological symptoms after COVID-19 infection, particularly those caused by the Omicron variant. The approach focuses on using a compound called homotaurine, which activates specific receptors in the brain to reduce inflammation and improve cognitive function. By studying this in a preclinical model, researchers aim to understand how this treatment can alleviate symptoms like 'brain fog', anxiety, and depression that affect many recovering COVID-19 patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments for long-COVID symptoms, improving the quality of life for many patients.
How similar studies have gone: There is emerging evidence that similar approaches targeting neuroinflammation have shown promise in other conditions, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaufman, Daniel — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Kaufman, Daniel
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.
-
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.
-
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.