Can a common steroid heal COVID-Damaged lungs?
NCT ID NCT07380152
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This completed phase 1 trial tested whether the steroid prednisolone can help people with persistent lung damage after a moderate to severe COVID-19 infection. One hundred adults with abnormal lung scans and reduced lung function were randomly assigned to receive either prednisolone or a placebo for one month, followed by a gradual dose reduction. The study measured improvements in lung imaging, breathing tests, and quality of life over 10 months.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Prednisolone (a corticosteroid drug)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a treatment for long-term lung damage after COVID-19, helping patients breathe easier and recover function.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial (phase 1) with only 100 people. The drug may not improve lung outcomes, and corticosteroids have side effects like weight gain, high blood sugar, and increased infection risk.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto
Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14015-010, Brazil