NCT06511063 · Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Antiviral Clinical Trial for Long Covid-19
What this study is about
The trial will test if two repurposed HIV antivirals can reduce symptom burden in adult participants with Long Covid compared to placebo. Viral infection and viral reactivation have been documented in Long Covid.
View original scientific description
The trial will test if two repurposed HIV antivirals can reduce symptom burden in adult participants with Long Covid compared to placebo. Viral infection and viral reactivation have been documented in Long Covid. Participants will be randomly allocated to receive antivirals, Truvada (tenofovir disoproxil/emtricitabine, TDF/FTC, Group 1) or Selzentry (Group 2), or a placebo (pill) (Group 3), taken daily for 90 days.
Interventions
DRUG
tenofovir disoproxil/emtricitabine
Participants will take Truvada (TDF/FTC, tenofovir disoproxil/emtricitabine) for 90 days.
DRUG
Selzentry
Participants will take Selzentry for 90 days.
DRUG
Placebo
Matching placebo.
Primary outcome measures
EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) Visual Analogue Scale
Time frame: at Screening, Day 60, Day 90, and Day 180
The EQ-5D-5L is a standardized measure of health status that consists of 5 dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression) each with 5 levels of severity, and a visual analogue scale (VAS) where individuals rate their overall health from 0 (worst imaginable health) to 100 (best imaginable health).
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
- Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
- Any gender, aged 18+
- 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 and a history of 6 months of Long COVID symptoms
- At least a six-month history of one of the following symptoms following SARS-CoV-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
- Or any other chronic condition that has the potential to impact on immunological profiling, at the discretion of the research physician
- HIV+ status
- Current use of either Truvada or Selzentry
- Taking a medication, within 6 weeks, with known interactions with Truvada or Selzentry including but not limited to: Acyclovir, valacyclovir, adefovir, cabozantinib, carbamazepine, cidofovir, cladribine, cobicistat, diclofenac, multiple NSAIDs or chronic high dose NSAIDs, fosphenytoin or phenytoin, ganciclovir, valganciclovir, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, primidone, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, sofosbuvir, tipranavir, or other drugs that significantly affect renal function
- Current treatment with drugs known to affect EBV replication, including but not limited to: Acyclovir, valacyclovir, ganciclovir, valganciclovir, famciclovir, teriflunomide, interferon
- Known allergic reactions to components of Truvada or Selzentry
- Febrile illness within the last 3 months of planned baseline evaluation
- Treatment with another investigational drug or other investigational intervention within 6 months of planned baseline evaluation
- Immunosuppressed individuals (transplant on antiviral prophylaxis and/or patients taking immunosuppressive medications such as steroids, etc.)
- Known medical history of active liver disease (other than nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis), including chronic or active hepatitis B or C infection, primary biliary cirrhosis, Child-Pugh Class B or C, or acute liver failure
- Receiving dialysis or have known renal impairment
- Any comorbidity requiring hospitalization and/or surgery within 7 days prior to study entry, or that is considered life threatening within days prior to study entry, as determined by the study team
- Other medical or psychiatric conditions, in the treating investigator's judgment, that makes the participant inappropriate for the study
- Unknown HIV status (subjects must have completed HIV antigen/antibody and viral load testing completed at the screening visit)
- Active or latent hepatitis B (subjects must have completed HBV serologies - HbsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc - testing completed at the screening visit)
- Current symptoms of severe, progressive, or uncontrolled renal, hematologic, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, cardiac, or neurologic disease, or other medical conditions that, in the opinion of the investigator, might place the subject at unacceptable risk for participation in this study
- Creatinine clearance (CrCl) \<75mL/min, as calculated by the Cockcroft-Gault equation
- Any history of bone fractures not explained by trauma
- Confirmed Grade 2 or greater hypophosphatemia
- Any Grade 2 or greater toxicity on screening tests and assessments
Where
- New York, New York
Collaborators
Yale University, PolyBio Research Foundation
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 Mar 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations