promising treatment for severe post-COVID syndrome in children using celiac disease drug

Recent research from Mass General Brigham has revealed that an experimental drug originally designed to treat celiac disease shows potential in managing severe post-COVID syndrome, particularly MIS-C, in children. MIS-C is a rare but serious condition that can develop after a COVID-19 infection, characterized by high fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, and potentially life-threatening heart complications. In a small yet significant trial, the oral drug larazotide was administered to children with early-stage MIS-C, demonstrating safety and promising efficacy.

The double-blind, randomized study involved 12 children who received either a placebo or larazotide four times daily over 21 days, with a follow-up period of six months. Results indicated that children treated with larazotide experienced faster resolution of gastrointestinal symptoms, quicker clearance of viral particles, and a rapid return to normal activities. The mechanism involves larazotide strengthening the intestinal barrier, which limits the exit of SARS-CoV-2 viral particles from the gut into the bloodstream, potentially reducing systemic inflammation.

Led by Dr. Lael Yonker, the study's findings are published in Science Translational Medicine and suggest that larazotide could be a safe and effective treatment option for MIS-C. The promising results have encouraged further investigation into larazotide’s role in treating long COVID. Current treatments for MIS-C mainly involve anti-inflammatory drugs, but many patients experience symptom rebound, underscoring the need for targeted therapies like larazotide. Researchers are now conducting larger trials to determine whether this approach can be extended to broader populations, including those suffering from long COVID, with hopes of improving recovery times and overall outcomes.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-drug-celiac-disease-severe-covid.html