Exploring Low-Dose Naltrexone as a Potential Treatment for Long COVID
Research from Griffith University suggests that low-dose naltrexone, a drug used for opioid addiction, may be an effective treatment for Long COVID by restoring cellular function and improving symptoms.
Recent research from Griffith University has indicated that low-dose naltrexone (LDN), a medication traditionally used for opioid addiction, may offer new hope in the fight against Long COVID. A study published in Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences demonstrated that LDN successfully restored cellular function in human cells affected by Long COVID.
Long COVID, affecting over 77 million people worldwide, causes persistent symptoms such as fatigue, neurological issues, and immune dysfunction long after the initial infection resolves. The study’s lead researcher, Professor Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik of Griffith’s National Center for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED), emphasized the urgency for effective treatments, and highlighted that LDN is a safe, repurposed drug.
The team’s prior investigations revealed that TRPM3 ion channels, which facilitate calcium transport into cells and are vital for cellular signaling, are faulty in Long COVID patients. Ph.D. candidate Etianne Sasso explained that these defective ion channels can be likened to malfunctioning doors in a house, preventing essential calcium entry. This impairment hampers various bodily functions, including immune responses and neurological activity.
The study demonstrated that low-dose naltrexone effectively fixes these dysfunctional 'doors,' enabling proper opening and closing of ion channels. Since these channels influence key processes such as immune response and pain regulation, restoring their function could significantly alleviate Long COVID symptoms. Currently, NCNED is conducting clinical trials to evaluate LDN’s effectiveness in improving symptoms, disability, and quality of life among Long COVID patients.
This promising discovery offers a new avenue for treating a condition that has been challenging to manage and highlights the potential of drug repurposing in medical research.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-drug-typically-opioid-addiction-covid.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Exploring Synergistic Drug Combinations for Vasodilation in Systemic Sclerosis
Recent studies presented at EULAR 2025 highlight the potential of combining vasodilating drugs like sildenafil and iloprost to manage vasculopathy and prevent lung complications in systemic sclerosis. These findings pave the way for personalized treatment approaches and further research.
Aging Reduces Overactive Immune Genes, Leading to Improvement in Lupus Symptoms in Older Adults
Aging appears to diminish the activity of immune-related genes in lupus patients, potentially leading to symptom improvement in older adults. This discovery opens new possibilities for age-specific treatments and understanding disease progression.
Updated Clinical Guidelines on Pharmacotherapy for Obesity Management
New guidelines for obesity pharmacotherapy highlight personalized treatment options, including new medications, and emphasize obesity as a chronic disease requiring long-term management strategies.