Great news on the medical front! Researchers at Griffith University’s National Center for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED) have uncovered a potential game-changer for those grappling with long COVID.
In a groundbreaking study detailed in Frontiers in Immunology, they’ve uncovered a novel approach to tackle the issue by fixing the malfunctioning ion channels in immune cells, using a familiar drug that’s typically used for a different purpose.
This breakthrough is particularly exciting because it mirrors findings from previous research on chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients, suggesting a shared underlying cause between the two conditions.
So, what exactly did they find? Well, it turns out that by restoring the function of these ion channels – which are like tiny gatekeepers regulating the flow of charged particles in and out of cells – they could address a whole host of symptoms associated with both long COVID and ME/CFS. Think brain fog, muscle fatigue, and even problems with the heart and gut.
The drug they’re investigating is called Naltrexone, commonly used to treat opioid addiction. But here’s the kicker: it seems to show promise in preliminary studies and from what patients are saying anecdotally, in terms of improving ion channel function.
Etianne Sasso, a Ph.D. candidate and lead author of the study, explains that their earlier work had shown success in restoring these ion channels in ME/CFS patients using Naltrexone. Now, they’ve replicated those results with long COVID patients.
Their next step? Launching not one, but two clinical trials to put this promising treatment to the test – one for long COVID and another for ME/CFS. This is where they’ll really put low-dose Naltrexone through its paces to see if it lives up to its potential in alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life for those affected.
Professor Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik, the senior author and Director of NCNED, emphasizes just how significant this discovery is. By using a rigorous test called electrophysiology, they’ve not only unlocked a potential therapy but also gained deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms of these conditions.
So, while there’s still much work to be done, this breakthrough offers a glimmer of hope for the millions worldwide grappling with the long-term effects of COVID-19 and ME/CFS.
