NCT06960928 · Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Low Dose Sirolimus in People With Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) Long COVID-19
What this study is about
The study is conducted in New York, New York at The Cohen Center for Recovery from Complex Chronic Illness at Mount Sinai. This is an IND-exempt, off-label, multi-ascending, randomly assigned, compared against an inactive treatment clinical trial of sirolimus (also known as rapamycin) in adults with Long COVID. There are 2 treatment group$1: Sirolimus and Placebo.
View original scientific description
The study is conducted in New York, New York at The Cohen Center for Recovery from Complex Chronic Illness at Mount Sinai. This is an IND-exempt, off-label, multi-ascending, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of sirolimus (also known as rapamycin) in adults with Long COVID. There are 2 arms: Sirolimus and Placebo. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Sirolimus in adults with Long COVID. Efficacy will be evaluated by measuring patient-reported outcomes in response to Sirolimus.
Interventions
DRUG
Low-dose sirolimus
Participants will take sirolimus, at home, for 12 weeks (3 months). * 1 pill once a week for 2 weeks (1mg) * 2 pills once a week for 2 weeks (2mg) * 4 pills once a week for 8 weeks (4mg)
DRUG
Placebo
Participants will take a matching placebo, at home, for 12 weeks (3 months). * 1 pill once a week for 2 weeks (0mg) * 2 pills once a week for 2 weeks (0mg) * 4 pills once a week for 8 weeks (0mg)
Primary outcome measures
European Quality of Life-Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS)
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-treatment (Week 12 and Week 24)
The EQ VAS records the patient's self-rated health on a visual analogue scale where the endpoints are labelled 'The best health you can imagine' (100) and 'The worst health you can imagine' (0), with higher scores indicating better health state. The VAS can be used as a quantitative measure of health outcome that reflects the patient's own judgement.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
- Any sex, aged 18+
- Must be able to attend all study visits located at 5 East 98th St, New York, NY
- Diagnosed with:
- Documented clinical history of confirmed or suspected acute SARS-CoV-2 infection a minimum of 6 months prior to contact with the study team
- Formal diagnosis of Long COVID from a physician
- At least a six-month history of one of the following symptoms following SARSCoV-2 infection:
- headache, memory loss, insomnia, mood disturbance, chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, cough, muscle pains, joint pains, or GI upset
- AND at least moderate fatigue (measured by Fatigue Severity Score)
- AND at least moderate post-exertional malaise (PEM) (measured by DePaul PEM screener)
- Participants who are willing and able to comply with all data collection, treatment plan, laboratory tests, lifestyle considerations, and other study procedures.
- Baseline EQ-VAS ≤70; EQ-VAS before the index infection ≥80 (this information is collected before randomization as part of the baseline survey)
Exclusion criteria
- Pre-existing conditions including, but not limited to:
- Autoimmune conditions such as Chronic EBV, Multiple Sclerosis, Hashimoto's Disease, etc. which would impact the immunological profiling analysis.
- A pre-2020 diagnosis of another Post-Acute Infectious Syndrome such as Chronic Lyme disease, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, etc.
- Documented history of vaccine injury
- History of lung or liver transplant
- Known hepatic or renal impairment
- Weighing less than 40 kg
- Or any other chronic condition that has the potential to impact on immunological profiling, at the discretion of the research physician
- Current use of sirolimus
- Taking a medication with known interactions to sirolimus:
- Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors - clarithromycin, telithromycin, nefazodone, itraconazole, ketoconazole, atazanavir, darunavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, tipranavir, such that dose reduction may be necessary
- Strong CYP3A4 Inducers - carbamazepine, dexamethasone, ethosuximide, glucocorticoids, griseofulvin, phenytoin, primidone, progesterone, rifabutin, rifampin, nafcillin, nelfinavir, nevirapine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenylbutazone, rofecoxib (mild), St John's wort, sulfadimidine, sulfinpyrazone, troglitazone, and grapefruit, such that dose increase may be necessary.
- Drugs that may increase concentration when given with sirolimus - Verapamil, such that dose reduction may be necessary
- Other drugs that have the potential to increase sirolimus blood concentrations include (but are not limited to): fluconazole, clotrimazole, troleandomycin, nicardipine, cisapride, and metoclopramide
- Concomitant use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may increase the risk of developing angioedema.
- Febrile illness within the last 3 months of planned baseline evaluation
- Treatment with another investigational drug or other investigational intervention within 3 months of planned baseline evaluation
- Prophylactic use of aspirin (325 mg daily) for cardiovascular indications will be permitted in participants. All other medications for chronic medical conditions should be initiated at least two months prior to enrollment.
- Uncontrolled diabetes, unstable ischemic heart disease, clinically significant underlying pulmonary disease, history of an immunodeficiency or receiving immunosuppressive therapy; history of coagulopathy or medication condition requiring long-term anticoagulation; history of hepatic impairment; taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Participants who are planning to be or are pregnant
- Participants who are nursing
Where
- New York, New York
Collaborators
PolyBio Research Foundation, The Anlyan Center
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 18, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations