Cancer drug keytruda tested as possible treatment for long COVID brain fog
NCT ID NCT07388550
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 5 times
Summary
This early-stage trial tests whether a single dose of pembrolizumab (Keytruda), a drug used for cancer, can safely reduce long-term neurological symptoms like brain fog and dizziness in people with long COVID. Fifteen adults who had COVID-19 at least six months ago and still have nerve-related symptoms will receive one IV dose and be followed for six months. The main goal is to check safety, but researchers will also look for signs of improvement in thinking, movement, and daily function.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a treatment for brain fog, dizziness, and other lasting neurological symptoms after COVID-19.
What could go wrong
This is a very early, small Phase 1 safety trial with only 15 people, so it is not designed to prove the drug works. Pembrolizumab can cause immune-related side effects, and its safety for long COVID is unknown.
Disclaimer
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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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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••