Low-Dose Naltrexone Shows Promise in Restoring Cell Function in Long COVID Patients
A groundbreaking study from Griffith University has identified low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as a promising candidate for treating Long COVID, offering new hope to millions around the world suffering from persistent symptoms long after initial infection.
Researchers from the university’s National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED) discovered that LDN effectively restored cellular function in human cells, potentially addressing one of the underlying mechanisms behind Long COVID.
A Global Health Crisis With Limited Treatment Options
Long COVID has emerged as one of the most challenging post-viral syndromes of the modern era, affecting more than 77 million people globally. Symptoms can be debilitating, ranging from chronic fatigue and brain fog to respiratory and neurological complications.
Professor Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik, the study’s lead author, emphasized the urgent need for therapeutic options:
“Long COVID is life-altering for many, and existing treatments are limited. Low-dose naltrexone, a repurposed and well-tolerated drug originally used for opioid dependency, may offer a safe and effective intervention.”
The Cellular Discovery Behind the Breakthrough
The research team focused on TRPM3 ion channels, crucial gateways that allow calcium to enter cells, which is essential for cellular communication, immune regulation, and pain perception.
Previous work from NCNED had shown that these channels are dysfunctional in individuals with Long COVID. Building on that foundation, the team investigated whether LDN could repair the faulty channels.
PhD candidate Etianne Sasso, the study’s first author, explained the analogy:
“Think of these ion channels like doors on a house. In Long COVID patients, the doors are jammed or broken, preventing essential signals like calcium from getting in. Our study found that treatment with low-dose naltrexone helped fix these doors—allowing them to open and close correctly again.”
Restoring proper ion channel function has far-reaching implications. These channels influence immune response, neurological signaling, and pain regulation—all areas frequently impacted in Long COVID patients.
A Path Toward Clinical Treatment
The research team believes that impaired TRPM3 channels are a key factor behind the immune dysfunction and lingering symptoms seen in Long COVID.
Professor Marshall-Gradisnik added:
“Our findings suggest that cellular dysfunction lies at the core of Long COVID symptoms, and that LDN could be used to reverse some of that dysfunction. This could lead to improved immune health and a reduction in disabling symptoms.”
The NCNED is now conducting a clinical trial to assess the real-world effectiveness of LDN in individuals with Long COVID, including its impact on symptoms, disability levels, and overall quality of life. The trial is currently recruiting participants.
A Safe and Repurposed Option
Low-dose naltrexone is not a new drug; it has been safely used in low doses for a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Originally developed to help treat opioid use disorder—including overdoses caused by substances like FYL and adulterants such as XYL—LDN is being increasingly explored for off-label use in immune modulation.
Given the limited treatment options available for Long COVID, researchers are hopeful that LDN could become a practical and accessible therapeutic option.
The findings offer a beacon of hope for millions still struggling with the aftermath of COVID-19 and underscore the importance of repurposing existing medications to address urgent and evolving public health needs.
Source: Griffith University News & Analysis