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ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ researchers will lead two new cross-Canada clinical trials to help prevent hepatitis C (HCV) and treat long COVID, thanks to a grant of nearly $5.5 million . 

, a pediatric neurologist and director of the , received $3,266,550 to lead a trial testing the efficacy of taurine supplements to treat long COVID symptoms, based on recent promising research by , cardiologist and clinician-scientist at the , and others. 

Infectious diseases specialist  received $2,178,000 to lead a trial testing the safety and efficacy of a hepatitis C vaccine developed in the laboratory of , director of the Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute and co-winner of the .

Targeting inflammation in long COVID

The U of A study team that  has since published another paper suggesting that  in other diseases and now warrants large-scale clinical trials as a treatment for post-COVID condition. Long COVID, or post-COVID condition, is when symptoms last longer than 12 weeks following infection with the COVID-19 virus.

Taurine is an amino acid produced by the liver and also found in food that supports nerve growth, digestion, muscle function and the immune system. It is a required additive in baby formula and pet food, and is often added to energy drinks. Taurine also has anti-inflammatory properties. 

It’s believed inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain is linked to long COVID symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog, although the mechanism is not entirely understood, Richer and Oudit say.