Cancer drug keytruda tested as possible treatment for long COVID brain fog
NCT ID NCT07388550
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 36 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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Five years on: how does long COVID evolve?
- Spirulina extract put to the test against long COVID inflammation
- Can brain training zap long COVID brain fog?
- Can tailored exercise help tame racing heart and fatigue after COVID?
- Brain training program aims to restore cognitive function in veterans with long COVID
- GP training may ease long COVID burden