Full Trial Title: A phase IIa double blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial of Tocilizumab to investigate the effect on health-related quality of life in adults with Long COVID and persistent inflammation (PHOSP-I)
Some people who have had a COVID-19 have persistent symptoms beyond 3 months which can last for years. This is known as Long COVID. Long COVID is thought to affect around 2 million people in the UK. We have shown in previous research a link between the severity of ongoing health impairments and inflammation (disrupted processes in the body). Currently there are no specific medications for Long COVID and it is therefore a national priority to find effective treatments.
This trial aims to investigate whether a medication called Tocilizumab will improve symptoms and help improve health-related quality of life in people living with Long COVID. Tocilizumab is currently being used to treat some patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19. Tocilizumab may be effective in treating patients with Long COVID by reducing inflammation and thereby improving symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, brain fog and pain. This trial is comparing Tocilizumab with a placebo (‘dummy drug’). Approximately 152 participants will be asked to take part in this trial from approximately 15 UK hospitals.
The following sites are taking part in the study:
If you would like further information about this trial, you can contact the team at phosp-i@leicester.ac.uk
