Long COVIDPhase 2/3NCT06721949
Taurine Supplementation in Long COVID
A Phase 2/3 study testing Taurine in people with Long COVID, run by University of Alberta at 5 sites in Canada.
Trial summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has swept across the globe, affecting millions of individuals with varying degrees of severity. While many individuals recover from the acute phase of the infection, a significant proportion continue to experience persistent and debilitating symptoms long after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Long COVID
- What is being tested?
- Taurine
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 300 participants
- Where
- 5 sitesCanada
- Study dates
- 18 Nov 2025to Dec 2028
- Phase
- Phase 2/3
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age ≥18 years;
- Positive COVID-19 test by nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR test, antibody or antigen tests at least 3 months prior to randomization; OR Presumed COVID-19 assessed by the site investigator (no positive COVID-19 test) with acute illness after October 15, 2019, and at least 3 months prior to randomization.
- If participants have treatable symptoms, they should have had a stable regimen of treatment prior to entering the study (i.e. started treatment for at least 4 weeks).
- Lingering COVID-19 symptoms beyond 3 months from onset of acute COVID and symptoms have lasted at least 2 months. The onset of COVID is considered the earliest of two dates: the date of positive testing or the date of first symptoms.
- Lingering symptoms from COVID-19 present at the time of randomization.
- Individuals of childbearing potential (as assessed by the overseeing Investigator) who are sexually active must agree to practice true abstinence or use at least one highly effective method of contraception while on study treatment. Highly effective methods of contraception must be discussed and approved by the overseeing Investigator (refer to Section 5 Contraception of the Master Protocol, and Section 13.1.2 of this protocol).
- Must be able to provide informed consent and both willing and able to comply with study requirements.
- Medications prescribed for treating fatigue or cognition have been discontinued for four weeks prior to enrolment and randomization. These include sildenafil, modafinil (Provigil), or armodafinil (Nuvigil), guanfacine, N-acetyl cysteine, and stimulant medications used for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Who cannot join
- Patients who had mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygen (ECMO) for COVID-19.
- Current end-organ failure, organ transplantation, or current hospitalization in an acute care hospital.
- Contraindications to the study intervention.
- Currently already on study intervention(s).
- Co-enrolment in another interventional trial (co-enrolment in an observational study is permitted).
- Currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
- The participant is currently enrolled in another clinical trial to treat neurocognitive symptoms in LC.
Trial locations and contacts
5 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Ellen Morrison, PhD contact
5 sites in 1 country
Canada5 sites, 5 recruiting
- Recruiting
University of Alberta Hospital, Kaye Edmonton Clinic
Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2B7
Grace Lam, MD, glam@ualberta.ca
Amanda Newman, taurineLC@ualberta.ca
- Recruiting
Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal
Montreal, Quebec
Liana Falcone, MD, emilia.falcone@ircm.qc.ca
Charlotte Du Sablon, postcovid@ircm.ca
- Recruiting
Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l'Estrie - Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke
Sherbrooke, Quebec
Alain Piché, MD, Alain.Piche@usherbrooke.ca
Christine Rioux-Perreault, christine.rioux-perreault.ciussse-chus@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
- Recruiting
University Health Network
Toronto, Ontario
Angela Cheung, MD, Angela.Cheung@uhn.ca
Suzanne Cohen, reclaim@uhn.ca
- Recruiting
BC Women's Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3N1
Karen Tran, MD, Karen.Tran@cw.bc.ca
Alia Izquierdo, alia.izquierdo@phsa.ca
About this study
Official title: Taurine Supplementation as a Novel Therapeutic Approach for Neurocognitive Symptoms in Long COVID
The COVID-19 pandemic has swept across the globe, affecting millions of individuals with varying degrees of severity. While many individuals recover from the acute phase of the infection, a significant proportion continue to experience persistent and debilitating symptoms long after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. This condition, known as Long COVID (LC) or sometimes referred to as Post-COVID Condition (PCC) or post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, has emerged as a complex multisystemic condition and challenging health issue, affecting approximately 10% of COVID-19 patients. Various symptoms characterize LC, including fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment, and mood disturbances. Some of the symptoms are shared with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) - a condition marked by debilitating fatigue and a host of other symptoms without precise biomarkers or objective tests for diagnosis. Effective LC treatments remain elusive and LC patients continue to grapple with persistent symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life. Given the lack of effective treatments, it is imperative to explore novel therapeutic approaches that may alleviate the suffering of this patient population.
Read the detailed description
Purpose: The overall trial objectives are to evaluate the efficacy and safety of taurine supplementation in treating and managing prolonged symptoms related to LC, focusing on neurocognitive-associated symptoms and fatigue.
Hypothesis: Increasing taurine levels in the body through treatment with taurine supplements will have a beneficial effect on Long COVID symptoms particularly neurocognitive-associated symptoms and fatigue.
Justification: Previous studies have suggested a correlation between low plasma taurine levels and symptoms associated with Long COVID. Reduced plasma taurine levels have also been observed in patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). The decreasing trajectory of taurine levels observed in long COVID could partly explain the fatigue, as taurine plays multiple roles in skeletal muscle function, the central nervous system, and energy metabolism. Furthermore, in various clinical and preclinical studies, including antioxidant, anti-aging, cytoprotective, and cardioprotective effects, taurine has demonstrated various therapeutic activities. Taurine also has a role in neuromodulation and the treatment of other central nervous system disorders, including depression. These findings suggest that taurine may be important in addressing the persistent symptoms and adverse outcomes in LC patients.
Given the robust association between taurine levels and symptoms and adverse outcomes of LC and the safety profile, there is a strong biological and clinical rationale for investigating taurine supplementation. There is a lack of effective treatments for LC, and exploring taurine supplementation as a novel therapeutic approach is justified and holds the potential to significantly improve the lives of affected individuals with an excellent safety profile.
Objectives: The overall trial objectives are to evaluate the efficacy and safety of taurine supplementation in treating and managing prolonged symptoms related to LC, focusing on neurocognitive-associated symptoms and fatigue.
- Conditions
- Long COVID
- Being tested
- Taurine, Placebo
- Keywords
- Taurine, COVID, Long COVID, randomized trial, neurocognitive symptoms
- Medical subject headings
- Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
TaurineDrug
Taurine is a naturally occurring amino sulfonic acid commonly found in the body. It is marketed as a natural health product/supplement and plays an important role in the body.
PlaceboDrug
The placebo capsule is visually identical to the taurine capsule.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Taurine | Experimental | Participants randomized to the Taurine arm will receive two 675 mg taurine capsules twice daily for 12 weeks. Receives: Drug: Taurine |
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | Participants randomized to the Placebo arm will receive two placebo capsules twice daily for 12 weeks. The placebo capsules will be visually identical to the taurine capsules. Receives: Drug: Placebo |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Mean change in Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) from baseline to three months
This study will target detection of a change in the MFIS from baseline to three months
Measured: Three months
Mean change in the ratio of the Trail-Making Tests A & B in the TestMyBrain cognitive testing battery from baseline to three months.
This test will target detection of a change in the ratio of the Trail-Making Tests A \& B from baseline to three months
Measured: Three months
Secondary outcomes (14)
Core Outcome Set - Symptoms
Tracking of symptom trajectory from baseline to three months
Measured: Three months
Cardiovascular function
Mean change in results of 6-minute walking test, to include symptoms and conditions
Measured: Three months
Respiratory function
Mean change in results of 6-minute walking test, to include symptoms and conditions
Measured: Three months
Cognitive Function
Measurement of mean change in cognition using the TestMyBrain assessment tool.
Measured: Three months
Memory
Measurement of mean change in memory using the TestMyBrain assessment tool.
Measured: Three months
Concentration
Measurement of mean change in concentration using the TestMyBrain assessment tool.
Measured: Three months
Conceptual Thinking
Measurement of mean change in conceptual thinking using the TestMyBrain assessment tool.
Measured: Three months
Social Functioning
Measurement of mean change in social functioning using the TestMyBrain assessment tool.
Measured: Three months
Mental Health Status - PHQ-9
Measurement of mean change in mental health status using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).
Measured: Three months
Mental Health Status - GAD-7
Measurement of mean change in mental health status using the General Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7).
Measured: Three months
Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) Symptoms
Measurement of changes in onset and triggers of PEM, symptoms, duration and recovery using the Post-Exertional Malaise questionnaire, adapted from De Paul's Symptom Questionnaire (PEM-DSQ).
Measured: Three months
Post-COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS) Scale
Measurement of changes in post-COVID functional status using the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS) Scale.
Measured: Three months
Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI)
Measurement of changes in reintegration to normal social activities using the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI) assessment tool.
Measured: Three months
Health Related Quality of Life - SF-36 (v.1)
Measurement of change in quality of life using the Quality of Life - SF-36 (v.1) assessment tool.
Measured: Three months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Dec 2024
- Study start18 Nov 2025
- Primary completionFeb 2028 (estimated)
- Study completionDec 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Long COVIDStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 2/3
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants are assigned to one of two groups in parallel for the duration of the study.
- Masking
- Quadruple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 300 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Alberta
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), University Health Network, Toronto
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Lawrence Richer, MD, MSc, Principal investigator, University of Alberta
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06721949
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RECLAIM -TaurineLC
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 28 Nov 2024
- Last updated
- 18 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Taurine Supplementation as a Novel Therapeutic Approach for Neurocognitive Symptoms in Long COVID
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06721949
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RECLAIM -TaurineLC
- Conditions
- Long COVID
- Keywords
- Taurine, COVID, Long COVID, randomized trial, neurocognitive symptoms
- Phase
- Phase 2/3
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 300 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of AlbertaUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), University Health Network, Toronto
- Study start
- 18 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Feb 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Dec 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 6 Dec 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The COVID-19 pandemic has swept across the globe, affecting millions of individuals with varying degrees of severity. While many individuals recover from the acute phase of the infection, a significant proportion continue to experience persistent and debilitating symptoms long after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. This condition, known as Long COVID (LC) or sometimes referred to as Post-COVID Condition (PCC) or post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, has emerged as a complex multisystemic condition and challenging health issue, affecting approximately 10% of COVID-19 patients. Various symptoms characterize LC, including fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment, and mood disturbances. Some of the symptoms are shared with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) - a condition marked by debilitating fatigue and a host of other symptoms without precise biomarkers or objective tests for diagnosis. Effective LC treatments remain elusive and LC patients continue to grapple with persistent symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life. Given the lack of effective treatments, it is imperative to explore novel therapeutic approaches that may alleviate the suffering of this patient population.
Detailed description
Purpose: The overall trial objectives are to evaluate the efficacy and safety of taurine supplementation in treating and managing prolonged symptoms related to LC, focusing on neurocognitive-associated symptoms and fatigue.
Hypothesis: Increasing taurine levels in the body through treatment with taurine supplements will have a beneficial effect on Long COVID symptoms particularly neurocognitive-associated symptoms and fatigue.
Justification: Previous studies have suggested a correlation between low plasma taurine levels and symptoms associated with Long COVID. Reduced plasma taurine levels have also been observed in patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). The decreasing trajectory of taurine levels observed in long COVID could partly explain the fatigue, as taurine plays multiple roles in skeletal muscle function, the central nervous system, and energy metabolism. Furthermore, in various clinical and preclinical studies, including antioxidant, anti-aging, cytoprotective, and cardioprotective effects, taurine has demonstrated various therapeutic activities. Taurine also has a role in neuromodulation and the treatment of other central nervous system disorders, including depression. These findings suggest that taurine may be important in addressing the persistent symptoms and adverse outcomes in LC patients.
Given the robust association between taurine levels and symptoms and adverse outcomes of LC and the safety profile, there is a strong biological and clinical rationale for investigating taurine supplementation. There is a lack of effective treatments for LC, and exploring taurine supplementation as a novel therapeutic approach is justified and holds the potential to significantly improve the lives of affected individuals with an excellent safety profile.
Objectives: The overall trial objectives are to evaluate the efficacy and safety of taurine supplementation in treating and managing prolonged symptoms related to LC, focusing on neurocognitive-associated symptoms and fatigue.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Quadruple blind (participant, care provider, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants are assigned to one of two groups in parallel for the duration of the study.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Taurine | Experimental | Drug: TaurineParticipants randomized to the Taurine arm will receive two 675 mg taurine capsules twice daily for 12 weeks. |
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | Drug: PlaceboParticipants randomized to the Placebo arm will receive two placebo capsules twice daily for 12 weeks. The placebo capsules will be visually identical to the taurine capsules. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Age ≥18 years;
- Positive COVID-19 test by nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR test, antibody or antigen tests at least 3 months prior to randomization; OR Presumed COVID-19 assessed by the site investigator (no positive COVID-19 test) with acute illness after October 15, 2019, and at least 3 months prior to randomization.
- If participants have treatable symptoms, they should have had a stable regimen of treatment prior to entering the study (i.e. started treatment for at least 4 weeks).
- Lingering COVID-19 symptoms beyond 3 months from onset of acute COVID and symptoms have lasted at least 2 months. The onset of COVID is considered the earliest of two dates: the date of positive testing or the date of first symptoms.
- Lingering symptoms from COVID-19 present at the time of randomization.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Patients who had mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygen (ECMO) for COVID-19.
- Current end-organ failure, organ transplantation, or current hospitalization in an acute care hospital.
- Contraindications to the study intervention.
- Currently already on study intervention(s).
- Co-enrolment in another interventional trial (co-enrolment in an observational study is permitted).
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| TaurineTaurine is a naturally occurring amino sulfonic acid commonly found in the body. It is marketed as a natural health product/supplement and plays an important role in the body. | Drug | Taurine |
| PlaceboThe placebo capsule is visually identical to the taurine capsule. | Drug | Placebo |
Primary outcome
Mean change in Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) from baseline to three months
Time frame: Three months
This study will target detection of a change in the MFIS from baseline to three months
Mean change in the ratio of the Trail-Making Tests A & B in the TestMyBrain cognitive testing battery from baseline to three months.
Time frame: Three months
This test will target detection of a change in the ratio of the Trail-Making Tests A \& B from baseline to three months
14 secondary outcomes
Core Outcome Set - Symptoms
Time frame: Three months
Cardiovascular function
Time frame: Three months
Respiratory function
Time frame: Three months
Cognitive Function
Time frame: Three months
Memory
Time frame: Three months
Concentration
Time frame: Three months
Conceptual Thinking
Time frame: Three months
Social Functioning
Time frame: Three months
Mental Health Status - PHQ-9
Time frame: Three months
Mental Health Status - GAD-7
Time frame: Three months
Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) Symptoms
Time frame: Three months
Post-COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS) Scale
Time frame: Three months
Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI)
Time frame: Three months
Health Related Quality of Life - SF-36 (v.1)
Time frame: Three months
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 18 Sep 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Ellen Morrison, PhD contact
Lawrence Richer, MD, MSc principal investigator
University of Alberta
5 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 2/3 study testing Taurine in people with Long COVID, run by University of Alberta at 5 sites in Canada.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 8 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 5 sites in Canada. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
What does this combined phase mean?
Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.
Phase 3 studies compare the treatment with the current standard treatment or a placebo in a large group, to confirm how well it works and watch for side effects.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Lawrence Richer, MD, MSc (780-492-0943, lricher@ualberta.ca), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Mean change in Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) from baseline to three months (time frame: Three months). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 18 Sep 2026.