Can these drugs ease long COVID? new trial aims to find out

NCT ID NCT05513560

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This Canadian trial tested two drugs, ibudilast and pentoxifylline, against a placebo in 460 adults with lingering COVID-19 symptoms. Participants took the drugs for 2 months and were followed for 4 more months to see if symptoms improved. The goal is to find safe, effective treatments for long COVID.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Ibudilast and pentoxifylline
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward effective treatments to reduce long COVID symptoms and improve daily functioning.
What could go wrong: This is an early adaptive trial with no confirmed results yet. The drugs may not work better than placebo, and side effects are possible.

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 post-COVID-19 disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

LONG COVID POST ACUTE SEQUELAE OF COVID-19 POST COVID CONDITION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Mount Sinai Hospital

Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The Ottawa Hospital

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
University Health Network, Osteoporosis Department

Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada

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