New hope for Tick-Bite survivors: mast cell drugs aim to ease lingering symptoms

NCT ID NCT07526558

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether medications that calm mast cells (ketotifen and cromolyn) can safely reduce persistent symptoms like fatigue, pain, and brain fog in people who had a tick-borne illness. Fifty adults aged 21-65 will receive either one of these drugs or a standard antihistamine (fexofenadine) for 12 weeks. The goal is to see if the mast cell stabilizers are safe and help more than the usual treatment.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Ketotifen, cromolyn sodium, and fexofenadine

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a treatment that eases lingering symptoms like fatigue and brain fog after a tick-borne illness.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase pilot study with only 50 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The drugs may cause side effects or not improve symptoms more than standard care.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

alpha-gal syndrome ehrlichiosis mast cell activation syndrome red meat allergy Rocky mountain spotted fever tick-borne infectious disease

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of North Carolina

    Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27514, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••