Scientists are now testing a weight-loss medication, Zepbound, as a potential treatment for the long-lasting symptoms of COVID-19, also known as Long Covid. The active ingredient in Zepbound, tirzepatide, has already been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease in addition to aiding in weight loss.
Researchers are studying tirzepatide because it has anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate some symptoms of long Covid, such as persistent inflammation in patients. The trial, which is being conducted nationwide and remotely, will involve 1,000 participants who have a confirmed diagnosis of long Covid and will take part in a year-long study to assess the efficacy of tirzepatide.
Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the medication or a placebo and will track their steps, weight, and other health metrics using wearable devices. The trial aims to explore whether tirzepatide can reduce symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, pain, and inflammation in patients with long Covid.
According to Eric Topol, a cardiologist who is leading the study, researchers are hopeful that tirzepatide's anti-inflammatory properties could help alleviate some of the chronic symptoms associated with Long Covid. "The rationale for a GLP-1 drug is its powerful body-wide and brain anti-inflammatory properties," he said.
A small pilot study conducted by private practice physician David Kaufman found promising results using low doses of tirzepatide, which showed a 60 to 90 percent decrease in fatigue and other symptoms. The trial, however, is not without its challenges as the condition of Long Covid has proven difficult for medical studies to address due to its debilitating nature.
While further research is needed, researchers are cautiously optimistic about the potential benefits of tirzepatide for patients with long Covid, highlighting the importance of continued investment in clinical trials and innovative study designs like this one.
Researchers are studying tirzepatide because it has anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate some symptoms of long Covid, such as persistent inflammation in patients. The trial, which is being conducted nationwide and remotely, will involve 1,000 participants who have a confirmed diagnosis of long Covid and will take part in a year-long study to assess the efficacy of tirzepatide.
Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the medication or a placebo and will track their steps, weight, and other health metrics using wearable devices. The trial aims to explore whether tirzepatide can reduce symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, pain, and inflammation in patients with long Covid.
According to Eric Topol, a cardiologist who is leading the study, researchers are hopeful that tirzepatide's anti-inflammatory properties could help alleviate some of the chronic symptoms associated with Long Covid. "The rationale for a GLP-1 drug is its powerful body-wide and brain anti-inflammatory properties," he said.
A small pilot study conducted by private practice physician David Kaufman found promising results using low doses of tirzepatide, which showed a 60 to 90 percent decrease in fatigue and other symptoms. The trial, however, is not without its challenges as the condition of Long Covid has proven difficult for medical studies to address due to its debilitating nature.
While further research is needed, researchers are cautiously optimistic about the potential benefits of tirzepatide for patients with long Covid, highlighting the importance of continued investment in clinical trials and innovative study designs like this one.
... I mean, who wouldn't want a magic pill to make Long Covid symptoms fade away? The fact that tirzepatide has anti-inflammatory properties is super promising 
And can you imagine how many people would benefit from reducing fatigue and brain fog after dealing with the COVID-19 nightmare for so long? 
But I'm also kinda worried about the challenges of conducting a study on Long Covid - it's a tough condition to pin down, you know? 
Still, kudos to researchers for trying out innovative designs like this one, and fingers crossed that tirzepatide can really make a difference 
I mean, who hasn't experienced those pesky fatigue and brain fog symptoms, right? 
Anyway, I'm curious to see how this trial goes - 60-90% decrease in fatigue is pretty promising 
And kudos to Eric Topol for leading the study, hope it gets the attention it deserves! 
... it's so frustrating and debilitating. I mean, 60 to 90 percent decrease in fatigue is a huge deal! That would be life-changing for so many people 
. The fact that researchers are hoping tirzepatide's anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate symptoms makes sense, but you're right, the condition is tough to study 
. Can't wait to hear more about this trial and its results 
. I mean, can you even imagine not having to deal with all that fatigue and brain fog anymore? It's like, a miracle cure or something 
! The fact that researchers are hopeful about the results is so cool - it just shows that scientists are really trying to find solutions for this super frustrating condition 
. Let's all be rooting for tirzepatide and Dr Kaufman's research 
. the thing is, long covid has been so misunderstood and stigmatized for years, it's about time we get some real answers on how to tackle it 
. as someone who's lost friends to prolonged illnesses due to lack of proper treatment, i can only imagine how frustrating it must be to feel like no one's taking your symptoms seriously 
. fingers crossed for the trial and for a cure that's within reach 
it's hilarious! I mean, who knew cats could be so talented? I've always wanted to try my hand at playing, but I'm pretty sure I'd sound like a cat in distress 
anyway, back to COVID... Long Covid is still such a mystery, you know? One minute it's there, the next it's gone. What's going on in our bodies that we can't figure out? 
. I've been following David Kaufman's work on his own research and he seems legit. It's gonna be interesting to see if tirzepatide can actually make a difference in people's lives... fingers crossed for those who are still struggling 
I mean, Long Covid has been a real bummer for so many people and it's great that scientists are exploring new options. Tirzepatide seems like a promising lead, especially with its anti-inflammatory properties 
, and if it works 1000 people could really make a diff 
. and the results from that pilot study were promising 
. On a more serious note, it's awesome to see researchers exploring different options to tackle this frustrating condition. Those results from Dr. Kaufman's pilot study were promising - 60-90% decrease in fatigue is no joke! 
. More investment in clinical trials and innovative study designs like this one will be super helpful in figuring out what actually works for Long Covid patients 
. It's been frustrating to see so many parents struggling with our little ones experiencing fatigue, brain fog, and pain for months on end...it's like they're stuck in some kind of chronic haze 
.
. It's just not fair 
. It's not just about throwing meds at someone and hoping for the best...it's about understanding what's really going on in their bodies and tailoring treatment plans accordingly