A research trial to find out if tocilizumab helps adults with Long Covid feel better
Around two million people in the UK live with Long Covid, but there are currently no approved medicines that treat the root cause of the condition. Scientists have discovered that some people with ongoing symptoms have higher levels of body inflammation, partly caused by an immune protein called interleukin-6 (IL-6). This study, led by the University of Leicester, looks at whether a drug called tocilizumab can help. Tocilizumab is already used safely for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis to block IL-6 and reduce inflammation. Participants will be placed by chance into one of two groups: one receives tocilizumab injections for 12 weeks, while the other receives a dummy injection (placebo). Over six months, researchers will track participants' quality of life, breathing, energy, and thinking skills to see if the treatment helps people feel better.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many people who catch COVID-19 continue to suffer from lingering health problems months after their initial illness. Common symptoms of Long Covid include extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, joint aches, and 'brain fog'. While doctors can offer advice on pacing and rehabilitation, there are currently no specific drug treatments to clear the condition.
Medical researchers have found that many adults with the most severe Long Covid symptoms have lingering, low-level swelling throughout their bodies. One key trigger for this inflammation is a protein produced by the immune system called interleukin-6 (IL-6). When levels of IL-6 stay too high for too long, it can cause chronic irritation in body tissues and blood vessels.
Tocilizumab is an established medicine that works by blocking IL-6. It is already routinely prescribed across the NHS for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and severe hospital COVID-19. This study aims to find out whether using tocilizumab to switch off this inflammatory pathway can reduce symptoms and improve daily quality of life for adults with Long Covid.
Because this is a clinical trial, half of the volunteers will receive tocilizumab and half will receive a dummy medicine called a placebo. Comparing the two groups allows doctors to prove whether any health improvements are truly caused by the medication.
Key takeaways
- The trial tests whether an anti-inflammatory drug called tocilizumab helps reduce Long Covid symptoms.
- It is aimed at adults whose symptoms have lasted at least three months and who show signs of inflammation in their blood.
- Treatment involves weekly or fortnightly injections for 12 weeks, followed by a 12-week safety follow-up.
- Half of the participants will receive a dummy injection (placebo) to test if the medicine truly works.
- Participation is completely voluntary, and safety blood tests will take place every four weeks.
Who may be eligible?
You may be able to take part if you are aged between 18 and 80 and had COVID-19 at least three months ago, but still do not feel fully recovered. Because this study focuses on inflammation, you must also have a higher-than-normal level of a blood marker called C-reactive protein (CRP), which the study team can test for you, and your day-to-day quality of life must be noticeably affected.
You will not be able to take part if you are currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy, as the drug may not be safe for unborn babies. People taking other medications that suppress the immune system (such as daily steroid tablets), those with active infections, or those with significant liver problems or low blood cell counts cannot join, as the treatment could increase their health risks.
You also cannot take part if you have recently had cancer treatment, received a live vaccine in the past three months, or taken part in another clinical drug trial within the last four months.
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 an adult aged between 18 and 80 years old.
- I had COVID-19 more than three months ago and still do not feel fully recovered.
- My lingering symptoms clearly affect my day-to-day quality of life.
- I am not pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy in the near future.
- I am not currently taking regular steroid tablets or other medicines that suppress my immune system.
- I have not had a live vaccine or taken part in another clinical drug trial in the last few months.
What does participation involve?
Taking part in this trial lasts around 24 weeks (six months) in total. If you join, a computer will place you at random into one of two groups. One group receives the study medicine (tocilizumab) and the other receives an inactive dummy injection (placebo). Neither you nor your research doctor will know which group you are in during the study.
You will receive injections under the skin once a week or once every two weeks for 12 weeks, depending on your body weight. You will have three main hospital visits: one at the very start, one at week 12 (when treatment finishes), and a final check-up at week 24.
At these visits, the team will check your overall health through blood and urine tests, simple breathing checks, walking or physical movement tests, and memory and concentration exercises. You will also fill out questionnaires about your symptoms and daily wellbeing. Every four weeks, extra blood tests will check your liver and blood counts to ensure you stay safe. There are also two optional add-on studies involving body scans and detailed lung tests.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (14)
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS TrustCity onlyLeicester, England
- Guy's & St Thomas HospitalCity onlyLondon, England
- Kings College HospitalApproximateLondon, England
- NIHR University College London Hospitals Clinical Research FacilityCity onlyLondon, England
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyOxford, England
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedSheffield, England
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedCambridge, England
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedBirmingham, England
- Glasgow Royal InfirmaryUnverifiedGlasgow, Scotland
- Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedManchester, England
- Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedSalford, England
- Cardiff and Vale University Health BoardUnverifiedCardiff, Wales
Common questions
Will I definitely receive the real medicine?
No. You will have an equal chance of receiving tocilizumab or a dummy injection (placebo). A computer decides your group at random to make sure the trial results are completely fair.
How is the study medicine given?
The medicine is given as a small injection just under the skin, usually in the tummy or thigh, either once a week or every two weeks depending on your weight.
Can I leave the study if I feel it is too much for me?
Yes. You are free to withdraw from the trial at any time, for any reason. Your regular NHS treatment and relationship with your doctors will not be affected in any way.
Why do I need blood tests every four weeks?
Tocilizumab can temporarily affect your liver and reduce certain white blood cells. Regular blood tests ensure the study team can spot these changes early and keep you safe.
Can I take part if I am planning to start a family?
No. Because the safety of tocilizumab during pregnancy is not yet proven, anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy (or whose partner is planning a pregnancy) cannot take part.
How to find out more
Victoria Harris
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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