Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial EValuating Baricitinib on PERSistent NEurologic and Cardiopulmonary Symptoms of Long COVID
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Recovering From COVID-19 Lingering Symptoms Adaptive Integrative Medicine Trial - Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for the Treatment of Post COVID Condition
A Clinical Study of Molnupiravir to Prevent Severe Illness From Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in People Who Are High Risk (MK-4482-023)
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is the illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which spreads through the air and infects the airways and lungs, and sometimes other organs. For most people it now causes a short respiratory illness, but it can still lead to pneumonia, hospitalization, and death, above all in older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease. The virus keeps changing, so the vaccines are updated to match circulating variants, and antiviral pills work best when started within days of symptoms.
The first COVID-19 vaccines were authorized in December 2020, less than a year after the virus was identified, and they remain the main protection against severe illness. Treatment for people at higher risk includes antiviral medicines and, for those who cannot respond to vaccines, antibody based protection. Symptoms that last months after infection are a separate condition covered on our long COVID page.
Types of COVID-19 clinical trials
Updated vaccine trials. Vaccines matched to new variants, next generation designs, and nasal vaccines meant to block infection, not only severe disease.
Trials for people with weakened immune systems. Vaccine schedules, antibody protection, and treatments for people who respond poorly to standard vaccines; see vaccine clinical trials.
Antiviral treatment trials. New pills and combinations for early treatment, especially for people at higher risk of severe illness.
Hospital treatment trials. Medicines for pneumonia and inflammation in people admitted with COVID-19.
Observational and immunity studies. Research on how long protection lasts and how the virus affects pregnancy, children, and chronic conditions.
Long COVID research. Covered on our long COVID clinical trials page.
Who can participate in COVID-19 clinical trials?
Vaccine trials usually enroll healthy adults in a set age range, sometimes specifically people 65 and older or people with weakened immune systems, and often require a defined gap since the last vaccine or infection. Treatment trials enroll people with a confirmed infection, usually within a few days of symptoms, and often require at least one risk factor for severe illness. Hospital trials enroll people already admitted. Observational studies accept a wide range of participants, including pregnant women and children in some cases. Many studies ask about prior vaccines and infections, so having those dates helps. Eligibility always varies by study.
Stages of COVID-19, and why they matter for trials
Prevention. Before infection; the setting for vaccine and antibody trials, often in older adults and people at high risk.
Early infection. First days of symptoms, when antivirals work best; treatment trials enroll quickly, often within three to five days.
Severe illness. Hospitalization with pneumonia or low oxygen; trials of anti inflammatory and antiviral treatments.
After infection. Lingering symptoms; see the long COVID page.
Do COVID-19 trial participants get paid?
Some studies offer compensation for time and travel, and study related care is typically provided at no cost to participants. Compensation varies by trial and is always described during the informed consent process before you agree to anything.
Curious whether clinical trials pay participants? Here's how compensation actually works.
How to enroll in a COVID-19 clinical trial
Identify your trial. Use the filters and choose between vaccine, treatment, and observational studies; titles usually name the group they enroll.
Select your preferred location. Enter your city or state; vaccine trials run at many research clinics, hospital trials at medical centers.
Explore study details. Click "Learn More" for age and risk factor requirements, timing since symptoms or last vaccine, and the visit schedule.
Complete the health profile. Click "Get started" to begin the 5-step application. Have ready your vaccination and infection dates, your risk factors such as age or chronic conditions, and your current medicines.
Submit the application. A clinical trial coordinator reviews it and contacts you. Nothing is decided until informed consent, and participation is voluntary at every step.