Using Sirolimus to Prevent Pulmonary Fibrosis in COVID-19 Pneumonia Patients

SECOVID: A Multi-center, Randomized, Dose-ranging Parallel-group Trial Assessing the Efficacy of Sirolimus in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 Pneumonia for the Prevention of Post-COVID Fibrosis

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional University of Chicago · NCT04948203

This study is testing if the drug sirolimus can help prevent lung scarring in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia while they are in the hospital.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Chicago Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsTofacitinib
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT04948203 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of sirolimus in reducing the risk of pulmonary fibrosis in hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive different dosages of sirolimus, while their standard care continues. The study will monitor vital signs, laboratory tests, and imaging to assess the drug's impact on lung health over a 12-week follow-up period. Patients discharged before completing the treatment will receive enough medication to finish at home.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are hospitalized adults aged 18 and older with COVID-19 pneumonia requiring supplemental oxygen.

Not a fit: Patients with a known diagnosis of previous pulmonary fibrosis or interstitial lung disease will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce the incidence of pulmonary fibrosis in patients recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of sirolimus in this context is novel, other studies have explored its potential in various inflammatory conditions, suggesting a promising avenue for further investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults ≥ 18 years of age
* Approval from the patient's primary inpatient service
* Hospitalized
* Diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia
* Positive test for active SARS-CoV-2 infection
* Requiring supplemental oxygen ≥ 5LNC or ≥ 40% FiO2.
* Chest computed tomography (CT) at admission with \< 10% pulmonary fibrosis
* Ability to provide written informed consent on the part of the subject or, in the absence of decisional capacity of the subject, an appropriate surrogate (e.g. a legally authorized representative).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known diagnosis of previous pulmonary fibrosis or an interstitial lung disease.
* Clinical features or known diagnosis of malignancy or active non-COVID-19 infection, including untreated latent tuberculosis.
* History of unstable or deteriorating cardiac disease (including myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass surgery or angioplasty within the past 6 months, congestive heart failure requiring hospitalization within the past 6 months, or uncontrolled arrhythmia.
* Known history of hypersensitivity to sirolimus.
* History of unstable or deteriorating neurologic disease (including TIAs or stroke).
* Pregnant or lactating females. Females of child bearing potential are required to have a negative pregnancy test prior to treatment and practice abstinence or prevent pregnancy by at least a barrier method of birth control.
* Investigational therapy for any indication within 28 days prior to treatment.
* Current treatment with any drugs that are strong inhibitors of CYP3A4.
* Tofacitinib
* Clarithromycin
* Telithromycin
* Nefazodone
* Itraconazole
* Ketoconazole
* Atazanavir
* Darunavir
* Indinavir
* Lopinavir
* Nelfinavir
* Ritonavir
* Saquinavir
* Tipranavir.
* Inability or unwillingness to comply with the requirements for the trial.

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pulmonary FibrosisCOVID-19 PneumoniaLong COVIDSECOVIDSirolimusRapamunePost-COVID FibrosisPASC
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.