Can a common supplement stop severe COVID? early trial tests MitoQ
NCT ID NCT05381454
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tested whether the dietary supplement MitoQ could prevent severe viral infections, like COVID-19, in adults who had close contact with a sick person. Eighty asymptomatic adults were given MitoQ or no treatment and monitored for illness. The goal was to see if the supplement reduces infection rates and symptom severity.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Mitoquinone/mitoquinol mesylate (MitoQ)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple supplement to prevent severe viral illness after exposure.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early, small study (80 people) with no blinding, so results may not be reliable or generalizable. The supplement may not prevent illness or reduce severity.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 1/2
Runs two stages together: safety and dose first, then whether the treatment works.
- Participants
-
80 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Apr 2022
- Finished
-
May 2023
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 65 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * All enrolled participants must meet the following criteria: * Age 18-65 years old. * Asymptomatic (no symptoms of viral infection) on study entry. * Exposure to a person with at least two new onset independent symptoms or signs (fever) of respiratory viral disease * High risk exposure without use of masks and physical distancing to suspected case of viral illness (based on established symptoms of viral illness) in the household within 3 days prior to study entry. Rationale: Antivirals are most efficacious when given as early as possible post exposure. * Ineligible for FDA approved alternative treatments to prevent progression to severe COVID-19 based on established criteria https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html or FDA approved alternative treatment cannot be obtained or not indicated (e.g. allergy). * Without established significant coronary artery/vascular disease, lung, stroke, kidney, liver, heart disease) based on history. * Adequate renal function. This is defined as absence of documented history of any kidney disease. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants who meet any of the following criteria at screening will be excluded from the study: 1. Use of Coenzyme Q10 or Vitamin E \< 120 days from enrollment 2. Women with variations in physiological functions due to hormones that may effect immune function and (taking hormones, pregnant, breastfeeding, on contraceptives). 3. Pregnant (based on history). 4. History of known gastrointestinal disease (such as gastroparesis) that may predispose patients to nausea. Gastrointestinal symptoms are the most common side effects of MitoQ. 5. History of auto-immune diseases 6. Chronic viral hepatitis 7. History of underlying cardiac arrhythmia 8. History of severe recent cardiac or pulmonary event 9. A history of a hypersensitivity reaction to any components of the study drug or structurally similar compounds including Coenzyme Q10 and idebenone 10. Unable to swallow tablets 11. Use of any investigational products within 28 days of study enrollment 12. Any other clinical condition or prior therapy that, in the opinion of the investigator, would make the patient unsuitable for the study or unable to comply with the study requirements. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, current or recent history of severe, progressive, or uncontrolled renal, hepatic, hematological, gastrointestinal, endocrine, pulmonary, neurological, or cerebral disease 13. Participants who are eligible for FDA approved alternative treatments to prevent progression to severe COVID-19 based on established criteria https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Antiviral treatment are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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
-
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, Texas, 75219, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Home antibody tests put to the test: can you read your own COVID-19 result?
- Can lung ultrasound reveal COVID-19's signature in the lungs?
- When the immune system Can't fight back: tracking three respiratory viruses
- The household maze: how does COVID-19 move between family members?
- Can an oral drug stop COVID-19 from turning deadly?
- Can COVID-19 rapid tests slip into HIV and TB clinics without disrupting care?