Taurine for Post-COVID Syndrome

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byLawrence Richer, MD, MSc

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase 2 & 3

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Alberta

Prior Safety Data

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The COVID-19 pandemic has swept across the globe, affecting millions of individuals with varying degrees of severity. While many individuals recover from the acute phase of the infection, a significant proportion continue to experience persistent and debilitating symptoms long after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. This condition, known as Long COVID (LC) or sometimes referred to as Post-COVID Condition (PCC) or post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, has emerged as a complex multisystemic condition and challenging health issue, affecting approximately 10% of COVID-19 patients. Various symptoms characterize LC, including fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment, and mood disturbances. Some of the symptoms are shared with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) - a condition marked by debilitating fatigue and a host of other symptoms without precise biomarkers or objective tests for diagnosis. Effective LC treatments remain elusive and LC patients continue to grapple with persistent symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life. Given the lack of effective treatments, it is imperative to explore novel therapeutic approaches that may alleviate the suffering of this patient population.

Research Team

Lawrence Richer, MD, MSc

Principal Investigator

University of Alberta

Eligibility Criteria

Adults over 18 who had COVID-19 at least 3 months ago and have been dealing with Long COVID symptoms for at least 2 months can join. They must not be on certain medications for fatigue or cognition, agree to use effective contraception if applicable, and be able to follow the study rules.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 18 years old or older.

Positive COVID-19 test by nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR test, antibody or antigen tests at least 3 months prior to randomization; OR Presumed COVID-19 assessed by the site investigator with acute illness after October 15, 2019, and at least 3 months prior to randomization

My treatment for symptoms has been stable for at least 4 weeks.

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Exclusion Criteria

The participant is currently enrolled in another clinical trial to treat neurocognitive symptoms in LC

I have no health conditions that prevent me from receiving the study treatment.

Currently already on study intervention(s)

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Treatment Details

Interventions

Taurine (Amino Acid Supplement)

Trial OverviewThe trial is testing whether Taurine supplements can help people with Long COVID feel better compared to a placebo (a pill without any medicine). Participants will randomly receive either Taurine or the placebo.

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: TaurineExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants randomized to the Taurine arm will receive two 675 mg taurine capsules twice daily for 12 weeks.

Group II: PlaceboPlacebo Group1 Intervention

Participants randomized to the Placebo arm will receive two placebo capsules twice daily for 12 weeks. The placebo capsules will be visually identical to the taurine capsules.