Curcumin

Long COVID affects an estimated 65 million people worldwide and can damage the brain, heart, blood vessels, and immune system long after infection. Researchers now link symptoms to lingering virus, inflammation, micro-clots, and disrupted energy metabolism. While structured rehab and pacing can improve quality of life, a growing list of experimental treatments—from antivirals and metformin to microbiome therapies and biologics—shows early promise. Clear answers, however, are still limited by small studies and the lack of large, definitive trials.Long COVID is defined as symptoms that last at least two months after an initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, with no other clear medical explanation. An estimated 65 million people worldwide are now affected, yet there are still no approved, evidence-based treatments. Researchers are working to better understand what drives the condition and to test a wide range of possible therapies, from structured rehabilitation programs to antivirals, blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, supplements, and new biologic treatments. Scientists believe long COVID is fueled by several overlapping biological problems. These include lingering virus in the body, ongoing low-level inflammation marked by elevated IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and the formation of tiny blood clots caused by interactions between the viral spike protein and fibrinogen. Other contributing factors include auto-immunity, disruptions in gut bacteria, and impaired mitochondrial function. Together, these processes can damage multiple organs, leading to blood vessel dysfunction, heart inflammation, neuro-inflammation, small-fiber neuropathy, ME/CFS-like fatigue, menstrual changes, problems with blood sugar regulation, and kidney or liver injury. Rehabilitation and Non-Drug Approaches For people with mild symptoms in the early stages, non-drug treatments remain the first option. Clinical trials show that online, group-based physical and mental rehabilitation programs can improve quality of life. Breathing exercises and inspiratory-muscle training have also been shown to boost heart and lung fitness. Additional strategies may include pacing daily activities, cognitive and speech therapy, smell retraining, and dietary counseling. However, exercise that is not carefully supervised can worsen inflammation. For this reason, activity programs need to be gradual and adjusted based on symptoms. Antivirals and Early Treatment Effects Antiviral drugs taken during the initial COVID-19 infection appear to slightly reduce the risk of developing long COVID. In Japan, ensitrelvir lowered long-COVID rates by 25% among out-patients. In high-risk individuals, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir were linked to about a 25% reduction in risk, while favipiravir showed little benefit. Researchers are also studying monoclonal antibodies that target the spike protein for possible effects on neuro-toxicity, although phase-3 trial results are not yet available. Medications Targeting Specific Symptoms Some treatments focus on particular complications such as clotting, autonomic nervous system problems, and immune imbalance. Low-dose naltrexone has been shown to reduce fatigue and lower platelet aggregation. Apheresis can remove micro-clots and auto-antibodies from the blood, but it is expensive and its benefits tend to be short-lived. Other medications are being tested for symptom relief. β-blockers are used to treat postural-tachycardia syndrome. Famotidine, intravenous immunoglobulin, SGLT-2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 agonists are under investigation for neurological, immune-related, heart, and kidney symptoms. Targeting Inflammation at Its Source Reducing inflammation early appears to be one of the most active areas of research. When started within seven days of infection, metformin lowered the risk of long COVID by 41%, likely by reducing mTOR signaling. Plant-based supplements containing quercetin, curcumin, and piperine improved fatigue compared with placebo. Other approaches include sulphur-thermal-water inhalation and enzymatically liberated salmon oil, both of which lowered CRP levels and helped restore the lung's protective barrier. Baricitinib and rapamycin, which act on JAK and mTOR pathways, are now entering multi-centre trials aimed at interrupting widespread STAT3-driven inflammation. Gut Health, Supplements, and Energy Metabolism Adjusting the gut microbiome may also help. The synbiotic SIM01 eased overall symptoms after six months. Small randomized trials suggest that high doses of vitamins C and D, coenzyme Q10, magnesium, and creatine-glucose blends can improve cellular energy production and blood vessel function. Early-stage studies also report benefits from N-acetyl-cysteine and the amino-acid blend AXA1125, both of which improved mitochondrial respiration and reduced fatigue. Experimental Biologics and Emerging Therapies New biologic treatments are exploring the role of fibrin-driven neuro-inflammation. A humanized antibody that blocks the inflammatory region of fibrinogen is currently in phase-1 trials after animal studies showed protection against neuronal loss. Another experimental therapy, the DNA aptamer BC007, removes G-protein-coupled-receptor auto-antibodies and reversed fatigue and poor capillary blood flow in a single patient, though larger trials are still needed. Other non-drug approaches have shown potential. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improved cognition, sleep, and pain in a six-month randomized trial. Case series of acupuncture reported reductions in brain-fog and joint pain. Vaccines and Long COVID Outcomes Vaccination provides limited protection against long COVID after breakthrough infections, lowering risk by about 15 to 41%. Among people who already had long COVID symptoms, outcomes after a booster were mixed. About 17% improved, 21% worsened, and 62% saw no change. Where the Science Stands Now Although many potential treatments are showing early promise, most evidence still comes from small or open-label studies that rely on indirect outcome measures. Large, adaptive randomized trials with consistent definitions and biomarker-based patient grouping are urgently needed. Until clearer answers emerge, experts support a flexible, team-based approach that includes early antiviral use, carefully graded exercise, targeted anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory treatments, gut microbiome support, and personalized rehabilitation. This strategy reflects the diverse, multi-system nature of long COVID while researchers continue searching for definitive, mechanism-based cures.

SignPath Pharma advances LipoCurc™ GBM program with FDA Orphan Drug Designation and submission of Fast Track and CNPV requests This is a significant opportunity for the program” — Michelle Comas, Chief Operating Officer SANDY, UT, UNITED STATES, December 16, 2025 / EINPresswire.com / -- SignPath Pharma , Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing LipoCurc™ , a novel liposomal formulation of curcumin, today announced multiple significant regulatory achievements for its liposomal curcumin (LipoCurc™) clinical program in glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive and devastating brain cancer with limited treatment options. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) to LipoCurc™ for the treatment of malignant glioma. In addition, SignPath has recently submitted a Fast Track Designation request to the FDA this week and separately submitted a justification package for consideration under the FDA’s National Priority (CNPV) Voucher Program. These regulatory submissions reflect the encouraging safety profile and preliminary clinical activity observed to date in SignPath’s ongoing Phase I/II study of LipoCurc™ in combination with standard-of-care radiation therapy and temozolomide in newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Orphan Drug Designation Orphan Drug Designation provides SignPath with multiple program advantages, including regulatory guidance, reduced fees, tax credits, and up to seven years of market exclusivity upon approval. Fast Track Designation Submission SignPath has submitted a Fast Track designation request to the FDA. Fast Track designation is intended to accelerate development and expedite regulatory review of therapies with the potential to address serious conditions and unmet medical needs. “Based on our preliminary data, we believe that LipoCurc™ has the potential to help patients who are fighting glioblastoma, and this drug warrants expedited development,” said Kai Larson, Chief Executive Officer of SignPath Pharma. “Submitting our Fast Track application marks an important step in bringing LipoCurc™ to patients who urgently need new treatment options.” FDA National Priority (CNPV) Voucher Program Submission In parallel, SignPath submitted a justification package for review under the FDA’s new National Priority Voucher (CNPV) Program, which rewards development of therapies targeting urgent public health challenges, including conditions with severe unmet need such as glioblastoma. “This is a significant opportunity for the program,” said Michelle Comas, Chief Operating Officer of SignPath Pharma. “The combination of Orphan Drug Designation, Fast Track submission, and the CNPV application positions LipoCurc™ for a potentially accelerated regulatory path as we prepare to meet with the FDA in early 2026.” About the LipoCurc™ GBM Program LipoCurc™ is currently being evaluated in an ongoing Phase I/II open-label clinical trial conducted at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Sibley Memorial Hospital. The study evaluates LipoCurc™ in combination with standard-of-care radiation therapy and temozolomide in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. The dose-escalation portion (Part 1) of the study has been completed, establishing the recommended Phase 2 dose. The study is now in Part 2, with some patients actively receiving treatment and others in long-term follow-up. Emerging data continue to support a favorable safety profile and encouraging preliminary efficacy signals indicating benefits in survival and time to disease recurrence following surgery. SignPath is preparing for a Phase II/III registrational development program, as well as beginning a trial using LipoCurc™ in multiple myeloma patients. About SignPath Pharma, Inc. SignPath Pharma is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing targeted therapeutics for serious and life-threatening diseases. The company’s lead investigational compound is a proprietary liposomal formulation of curcumin currently being evaluated for its potential in oncology and other therapeutic areas. SignPath is headquarters in Sandy, Utah. For more information, please visit www.signpathpharma.com . Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the future development, potential benefits, and clinical evaluation of LipoCurc™. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those anticipated. SignPath undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Contact: Kai Larson President, CEO klarson@signpathpharma.com https://signpathpharma.com Michelle Comas SignPath Pharma mcomas@signpathpharma.com Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.