HHS launches long COVID research team, treatment clinical trials

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) made two major announcements regarding long COVID-19 on Monday, July 31. The department announced the formation of a research office and the beginning of the clinical trials for possible treatments.

The Office of Long COVID Research and Practice is being created to study the condition and help those diagnosed with it.

“As our nation continues to make strides in combating COVID-19, it is crucial that we address the impact of long COVID and provide resources to those in need,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement. 

Adm. Rachel Levine, the assistant secretary for health, added that the office “will enhance efforts being undertaken across the U.S. government to improve the lives of those who continue to experience the long-term impacts of the worst public health crisis in a century.”

Patients are considered to have long COVID if they still have symptoms at least four weeks after they have been cleared of a COVID-19 case. In some cases, symptoms can be experienced for months or years. These symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), include:

• Fatigue.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Headaches.
• Brain fog.
• Joint and muscle pain.
• Continued loss of taste and smell.

The HHS estimates that anywhere from 7.7 million to 23 million Americans have developed long COVID after being infected with the virus. A CDC survey from 2022 found 81% of adults with ongoing symptoms of COVID-19 lasting three months or longer are experiencing limitations in their daily activities compared to before they had the virus. Additionally, 25% said they were experiencing significant limitations.

It’s unclear what causes people to develop long COVID. Research is ongoing.

In addition to the research office, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced it has launched mid-stage clinical trials to test at least four treatments in patients with symptoms of long COVID. Additional clinical trials to test at least seven more treatments are expected in the coming months.

“We know that when patients are suffering, we can never move fast enough,” acting NIH Director Lawrence A. Tabak said in a statement. “NIH is committed to a highly coordinated and scientifically rigorous approach to find treatments that will provide relief for the millions of people living with long COVID.”