Current Interventions
The RECLAIM study is exploring potential interventions that may help improve the symptoms of Long COVID. Each intervention has been selected based on promising evidence and the possibility of addressing some of the persistent health challenges faced by people living with Long COVID.
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The interventions listed below are currently available in some clinics across Canada. Below each intervention is a list of Canadian clinical centres currently open to enrollment. Our goal is to better understand whether these treatments are safe, effective, and can be used to support recovery.
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Participants are able to choose which study intervention they would like to participate in. However, please keep in mind:
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Participants must attend a number of in-person visits. Please review the clinic locations that are running each intervention arm, to ensure that mandatory in-person visits are possible.
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Participants can only participate in one arm at a time and must complete the entire study arm (usually about 6 months in length) before they can join another arm.
Effect of Use of Hi-OxSR for the Treatment of Post-COVID Condition
(The RECLAIM Hi-OxSR trial)
This study is exploring whether the Hi-OxSR device can help improve symptoms of post-COVID cognitive dysfunction, often described as “brain fog.”
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Why Hi-OxSR?
Cognitive dysfunction occurs when a person's ability to think, learn, problem solve, remember, and make decisions is affected. It is one of the top three lingering symptoms of Long COVID. What drives post-COVID cognitive changes is still unknown. One theory is that there is ongoing inflammation (the immune system’s response to injury or illness) resulting in delayed responses of the brain. One potential therapy for treating cognitive dysfunction associated with Long-COVID is to decrease inflammation and dilate blood vessels in the brain, which may allow for increased oxygen and nutrient delivery and increase cognitive functioning.
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One of the ways to increase oxygen delivery to the brain is to increase the concentration of oxygen a person inhales. Another approach is to dilate blood vessels in the brain by increasing the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. Slightly higher levels of carbon dioxide in the blood are known to increase blood flow to the brain, which may improve oxygen delivery to the brain. Breathing higher amounts of carbon dioxide may also help decrease inflammation.
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A device and technique called Hi-OxSR was developed to increase blood flow to the brain for diagnostic purposes. This technique catches exhaled breath that contains slightly higher levels of carbon dioxide, which is then breathed in on the next inhale (called rebreathing). This returned exhaled air acts to increase the level of carbon dioxide in the blood by a small amount. This small increase in carbon dioxide in the blood with rebreathing has been shown to increase oxygen delivery to the brain.
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Our group is investigating whether rebreathing carbon dioxide or inhaling a higher concentration of oxygen using the Hi-OxSR device will improve cognitive function in individuals with Long-COVID, and if so, what is the optimal duration to use the device.
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To learn more, please visit the Clinical Trials registry, ClinicalTrials.gov, at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06928506
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Click here to learn which sites are running this study in your area
Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for the treatment of Post COVID Condition
(The RECLAIM HBOT Trial)
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) promotes healing by delivering a high concentration of oxygen into the body.
HBOT has the potential to target the underlying mechanisms believed to play a critical role in the development of Long COVID.
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Many people with Long COVID experience fatigue, brain fog, muscle aches and other symptoms. There is evidence to suggest that these symptoms may be linked to issues with the blood vessels, which can affect how well oxygen reaches different parts of the body. Thus, our group is investigating whether HBOT’s ability to improve the delivery of oxygen to tissues may help these symptoms.
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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a well-established medical treatment used for a variety of conditions. During HBOT, a person breathes in a high concentration of oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. This allows the body to take in much more oxygen than normal, which can have important healing effects.
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Known benefits of HBOT include:
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Promoting the growth of new blood vessels
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Reducing inflammation and regulating immune responses
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Protecting the brain and nervous system from damage
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Potential antiviral effects
By studying HBOT carefully in a clinical trial, we aim to provide clear evidence on whether it can truly benefit people living with Long COVID.
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To learn more, please visit the Clinical Trials registry, ClinicalTrials.gov, at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06452095
Taurine Supplementation as a Novel Therapeutic Approach for Fatigue and Neurocognitive Symptoms in Long COVID
(TaurineLC, RECLAIM – TAURINE)
Taurine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in the body. It has been found to play various important roles in the body and, as a natural health supplement; it is often used for its potential health benefits. This study will investigate whether taurine supplementation improves fatigue and cognitive symptoms associated with Long COVID.
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The TaurineLC study is a blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial for adults with Long COVID (LC). Eligible participants will take either taurine or placebo twice daily for 12 weeks followed by 12 weeks of follow-up.
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Eligible participants must be 18 years of age and older and have on-going Long COVID symptoms that began at least two months prior to study enrollment. Additional eligibility criteria will be assessed at the time of screening.
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To learn more, please visit the Clinical Trials registry, ClinicalTrials.gov, at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06721949
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Click here to learn which sites are running this study in your area
Completed Interventions
The drug arm intervention trials examining ibudilast or pentoxifylline compared to placebo are now complete. Recruitment for the Drug Trial is now closed. We are currently analyzing the information collected and will report findings soon.
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To learn more, please visit the Clinical Trials registry, ClinicalTrials.gov, at: