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Study of Vericiguat to improve physical function in patients with Post-COVID-19 syndrome with or without chronic fatigue syndrome

Verified siteInvestigationalNo placebo
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What is this trial about?

A plain-language summary of the goals, design and what participants do

This clinical trial focuses on Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS), a condition that occurs after COVID-19 infection, including cases where patients develop myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The study aims to evaluate if a medication called Vericiguat (also known as MK-1242) can improve physical function in people with these conditions.

The study will test different doses of Vericiguat tablets compared to placebo in adults who have been experiencing post-COVID symptoms for 6 months or longer. Participants will take the medication orally, with doses ranging from 2.5 mg to 10 mg per day. The treatment period will last for 10 weeks.

During the study, researchers will measure changes in physical function using a standardized health survey. They will also monitor other aspects of health, including fatigue levels and muscle strength. The study will track any side effects that participants may experience during the treatment period.

The research process

The trial runs in 5 steps – from screening to follow-up. Each step says what happens and what the team monitors.

  1. Step 1

    Initial evaluation

    Your eligibility for the study will be assessed based on age (18-55 years) and confirmed mild to moderate COVID-19 history

    The evaluation includes checking for ongoing symptoms lasting 6 months or more

    Medical tests will be performed to check thyroid function and measure specific health indicators

  2. Step 2

    Treatment assignment

    You will be randomly assigned to receive either Vericiguat tablets or placebo tablets

    The study is double-blind, meaning neither you nor the study staff will know which treatment you receive

  3. Step 3

    Treatment period

    The treatment period lasts for 10 weeks

    You will take the assigned medication orally (by mouth)

    The medication comes in tablet form in different strengths (2.5 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg)

  4. Step 4

    Monitoring and assessments

    Your physical function will be measured using a standardized questionnaire (SF-36-PF)

    Additional assessments include:

    - Measurement of hand grip strength

    - Evaluation of fatigue levels

    - Monitoring for any side effects or health changes

  5. Step 5

    Final evaluation

    After 10 weeks, final assessments will be conducted to measure changes in your physical function

    The results will be compared to your initial measurements to evaluate the treatment effectiveness

Who can join the trial?

11 criteria

  • Age between 18-55 years old (for women over 50, must have regular menstrual cycles or specific hormone levels)
  • Confirmed mild to moderate COVID-19 case through PCR test or blood antibody test, not requiring hospitalization
  • Experiencing symptoms for at least 6 months after COVID-19 infection
  • Have a Bell Score between 30-60 (a scale measuring functional ability and severity of symptoms)
  • Show signs of blood vessel function problems through specific medical tests
  • Have normal thyroid function
  • Able to understand and willing to provide informed consent
  • Must sign informed consent before starting any study procedures
  • For women who can become pregnant:
    • Must have a negative pregnancy test before starting the study
    • Must use highly effective birth control methods (such as hormonal contraception, IUD, or other approved methods)
    • For women who have gone through menopause: Must not have had menstrual periods for at least 12 months

Who cannot join the trial?

15 criteria

  • Age below 18 years or above 65 years
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • History of severe allergic reactions to medications
  • Participation in other clinical trials within the past 30 days
  • Severe heart conditions (such as uncontrolled high blood pressure or recent heart attack)
  • Severe kidney or liver problems
  • Active infections requiring treatment
  • History of blood clotting disorders
  • Mental health conditions that could affect study participation
  • Use of medications that could interact with the study drug
  • Unable to provide informed consent
  • Inability to follow study procedures or attend scheduled visits
  • History of drug or alcohol abuse within the past year
  • Major surgery within the past 3 months
  • Any condition that, in the opinion of the study doctor, would make participation unsafe
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Investigated drugs

Vericiguat is a medication that helps improve physical function in people who have post-COVID-19 syndrome. It works by stimulating an enzyme in the body that helps blood vessels relax and improves blood flow. This medication is being studied to see if it can help people who are experiencing ongoing symptoms after COVID-19 infection, including those who may have developed chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The medication is taken in tablet form.

What is already known about the treatment

Vericiguat – A novel oral medication that works by stimulating soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), enhancing the body's nitric oxide pathway to improve blood flow and cellular function. This drug, administered in tablet form, is being investigated for its potential benefits in treating post-COVID-19 syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms. Originally developed for heart failure treatment, Vericiguat belongs to the pharmacological class of sGC stimulators and works by increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels in the body, which may help improve physical function and energy levels in patients suffering from post-viral conditions. The medication represents a promising therapeutic approach in addressing the complex symptoms associated with post-COVID-19 syndrome, particularly focusing on improving physical functioning as measured by the SF-36 Physical Function scale.

Investigated diseases

  • Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS)

    A condition that develops following COVID-19 infection, where symptoms persist beyond 12 weeks after the initial infection. The syndrome can include ongoing fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive problems (brain fog), muscle aches, and various other symptoms that impact daily activities. Some patients may experience fluctuating symptoms that can worsen after physical or mental effort.

  • Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

    A complex, long-term illness characterized by severe fatigue that doesn't improve with rest and worsens with physical or mental activity. The condition includes symptoms such as unrefreshing sleep, cognitive difficulties, muscle pain, and post-exertional malaise. People with ME/CFS often experience profound fatigue that interferes with daily activities. The condition can develop suddenly or gradually, with symptoms varying in intensity over time.

Trial detailsLast updated 2 Oct 2026
Age18+ yearsPhasePhase IITrial ID2024-517713-33-00Protocol codeVERI-LONGEstimated enrolment104 patientsSponsorCharite Universitaetsmedizin Berlin KöR

sourced from the EU Clinical Trials Register and site verification

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On this site, “treatment” means an investigational medicine being studied in a clinical trial. Its safety and efficacy for the use being studied have not yet been confirmed, some participants may receive a placebo or a comparator medicine, and taking part does not guarantee any health benefit. The decision to take part is made by the doctor at the research site. This site is for information only and does not replace medical advice.

This service is not affiliated with the European Commission, the EMA, or the official CTIS system. Most information comes from publicly available international clinical-trial registries, supplemented by data from academic sites, national regulators and commercial sponsors. On this site, “treatment” and “therapy” mean a medicine being tested in a clinical trial. Its safety and effectiveness in the use being studied are not yet confirmed, some participants may receive a placebo or a comparator, and taking part does not guarantee a health benefit. The doctor at the research site decides who can take part. This site provides information, not medical advice. Certain content and visual elements on this website have been generated or enhanced using artificial intelligence (AI).