Could a blood filter ease chronic fatigue? new trial tests it

NCT ID NCT05710770

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Charite University, Berlin, Germany Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a procedure called immunoadsorption — which filters certain antibodies out of the blood — can reduce fatigue in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), including those whose condition started after COVID-19. Sixty-six adults received either five real treatments or sham (fake) treatments over 10 days, then were followed for six months. The main goal was to see if fatigue scores improved at three months.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Immunoadsorption (a blood-filtering procedure that removes antibodies)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for chronic fatigue syndrome, including cases triggered by COVID-19.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 66 participants. The treatment requires a catheter and may cause side effects like accidental artery puncture. Results may not apply to all patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

long COVID-19 myalgic encephalomeyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ME/CFS POST-COVID ME/CFS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Berlin, State of Berlin, 10117, Germany

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.