CompletedPhase IIIInterventional

Symptoms, trajectory, inequalities and management: understanding Long COVID to address and transform existing integrated care pathways

Many people with Long COVID experience symptoms that last for months, but doctors still do not have a standard, proven treatment. The STIMULATE-ICP study is exploring whether a combination of medical tests, a digital rehabilitation app, and certain existing medicines can speed up recovery. Researchers are testing treatments such as antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drugs, and blood thinners to see if they help clear symptoms. Participants are adults referred to an NHS Long COVID clinic for their first visit. You can choose how much of the study to join, from simply sharing your health records to trying a study medicine or giving blood samples. Taking part lasts for about 24 weeks. While the study may not cure your symptoms directly, it will help researchers understand who gets Long COVID and design better treatments across the NHS.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Phase

Phase III

Sponsor

University College London

Enrolment target

4,520

Start

22 Aug 2022

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2024

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 infection)

What is this study about?

Long COVID can cause lasting problems such as extreme tiredness, breathlessness, muscle pain, and brain fog weeks or months after an initial infection. Because it is a relatively new illness, doctors across the UK do not yet have a single standard way to treat it. Care and support can also vary depending on where you live. This large UK study aims to find the most effective, practical ways to help people manage their symptoms and get back to their normal lives.

Researchers are looking at how different care tools work together. They are testing an in-depth body scan called Coverscan, an interactive smartphone recovery app, and several existing medicines that are already safely used for other health conditions. These medications include common antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drugs, and mild blood thinners. Scientists want to know whether these drugs can calm inflammation or improve blood flow in people suffering from Long COVID.

The study also collects blood samples from volunteers who agree to provide them. By studying these samples, scientists hope to discover biological clues that explain why some people develop Long COVID while others recover quickly. Ultimately, the results will help the NHS create a joined-up care plan so that all patients receive the right treatment as early as possible.

Key takeaways

Tests existing medicines, an app, and specialised scans to find the best care for Long COVID.
Open to adults attending their first visit at a participating NHS Long COVID clinic.
Offers flexible levels of involvement, including data sharing only, blood tests, or medication trials.
Follows your recovery journey over 24 weeks through clinic, phone, or online reviews.
Completely voluntary, with no changes to your regular NHS treatment if you decide not to join.

Who may be eligible?

You may be able to join this study if you are 18 or older and have had symptoms of COVID-19 that have lasted for at least four weeks. You must be attending your first appointment at an NHS Long COVID clinic that is taking part in the trial.

To take part, you or a family member will need to read and understand English so you can complete regular health questionnaires. You cannot join if you are already taking part in another clinical trial that tests active treatments, though observational health studies are allowed.

If you wish to try the study medicines, there are extra safety checks. For example, women who can have children must agree to use reliable contraception during treatment and for 30 days afterwards. People with certain health conditions—such as a high risk of bleeding, severe kidney issues, or stomach ulcers—will not be offered the drug trial, but can still take part in the other study activities.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am aged 18 or over.
I have had Long COVID symptoms for at least 4 weeks.
I have been referred for my first appointment at a participating Long COVID clinic.
I (or a family member) can understand English to complete follow-up questionnaires.
I am not currently taking part in another trial testing medical treatments.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in the study lasts for about 24 weeks (around 6 months). What you do depends on which study group you choose to join. You can take part in simple data collection, give research blood samples, trial a study medication, or choose a combination of these options.

There are three main check-ins: your initial clinic visit, a 12-week review, and a final 24-week follow-up. While the research team prefers your second visit to be face-to-face, follow-ups can also happen over the telephone, online, or by posting back paper questionnaires. If you take a study medicine, you will take it at home as instructed by the doctors, and the team will contact you regularly to check how you are feeling and monitor for any side effects.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part might not improve your symptoms directly, but your involvement will help scientists understand Long COVID and improve NHS care for others. The study medicines can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Most are mild and clear up quickly, such as headaches, feeling sick, tiredness, or mild stomach upsets. Stronger medicines like blood thinners carry a small risk of bleeding, so the doctors will review your medical history carefully before prescribing anything. Taking part is completely voluntary, and you can change your mind or leave the study at any time without it affecting your standard NHS care.

Locations (7)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Glenfield Hospital
Unverified
Leicester, England
Liverpool Tier 3 Long COVID Service
Unverified
Liverpool, England
Princes Park Health Centre
Unverified
Liverpool, England
University College Hospital
Unverified
London, England
Castle Hill Hospital
Unverified
Cottingham, England
Walton Hospital
Unverified
Chesterfield, England
Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital
Unverified
Exeter, England

Common questions

Do I have to take trial medicines to be part of the study?

No. You can choose to join only the data collection group or give blood samples without testing any medications.

Will I need to visit the hospital for every check-up?

No. After your first clinic appointment, most follow-ups at 12 and 24 weeks can be completed by phone, online, or by post.

Are the study drugs new and untested?

No. The drugs being tested are already approved and widely used for other conditions, such as allergies, gout, and heart health.

What happens if I feel unwell or experience side effects?

The study team will monitor you closely. If you develop any uncomfortable symptoms, you can contact the team, who may lower your dose or stop the medicine.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes. You can withdraw from the study at any point. Your decision will not alter your normal medical treatment or relationship with your doctor.

How to find out more

Amitava Banerjee

ami.banerjee@ucl.ac.uk +44 (0)2035495449 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.