RECOVER Study on Long COVID: Virtual Town Hall Recap

ISB hosted a virtual event on January 15, 2025, to share updates on the ongoing RECOVER study, a national NIH-funded initiative to understand and address Long COVID. 

ISB President Dr. Jim Heath, who leads the Pacific Northwest hub of RECOVER, opened the session by introducing key figures from the study, including Dr. Helen Chu from the University of Washington, Dr. Jason Goldman from Swedish Providence, and study coordinators Allie Duven and Helen Nguyen.

Dr. Goldman provided an overview of the RECOVER adult cohort, highlighting the study’s enrollment of nearly 15,000 participants across various institutions. He discussed the comprehensive data collection efforts, which include symptom surveys, blood tests, and biospecimens, all aimed at identifying biomarkers and understanding the pathophysiology of Long COVID. He also shared updates on the RECOVER study’s published data, including findings on the Long COVID research index, clinical lab measurements, and circulating viral antigens.

Dr. Chu then provided insights into the clinical trials being conducted within the RECOVER consortium, focusing on the impact of vaccines and treatments like Paxlovid. She detailed trials examining cognitive dysfunction (RECOVER-NEURO), autonomic dysfunction (RECOVER-AUTONOMIC), and exercise intolerance (RECOVER-ENERGIZE), among others. While results from these trials are still pending, Chu emphasized the importance of understanding Long COVID symptoms and designing interventions based on solid clinical evidence.

Dr. Heath concluded the session with remarks on the study’s future direction, particularly the integration of genetic data to better understand the disease. He noted that the RECOVER study is at a critical juncture, with new data and ongoing clinical trials that will shape the next phase of research.

The virtual event closed with a Q&A session, during which participants could ask questions about trial results, treatment options, and the study’s long-term plans. 

The virtual event is the first of three planned for 2025 and highlighted the vital role of study participants in advancing our understanding of Long COVID and reinforced the RECOVER team’s commitment to ongoing research and patient support.

You can watch a recording of the event here, or by clicking play on the video above.