Drug Originally Developed for Celiac Disease Shows Promise in Treating Severe Post-COVID Syndrome in Children

In a significant development for the treatment of post-COVID complications in children, researchers from Mass General Brigham have found that larazotide—an experimental drug initially designed for celiac disease—may offer new hope for young patients suffering from multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) after COVID-19.

MIS-C is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can develop following a COVID-19 infection, characterized by high fevers, gastrointestinal symptoms, and dangerous cardiac inflammation. Traditional treatments for MIS-C are limited, with most focusing on general anti-inflammatory drugs. Unfortunately, many patients experience recurrences of symptoms, particularly since these treatments do not specifically target persistent SARS-CoV-2 viral particles that can remain in the gut.

Larazotide, administered orally, addresses this gap by reinforcing the intestinal barrier. This limits the movement of viral particles—such as those from SARS-CoV-2—out of the intestines and into the bloodstream, potentially reducing the severity and duration of symptoms.

In a rigorous, double-blind clinical trial, researchers evaluated the safety and efficacy of larazotide in 12 children with early-stage MIS-C. Over a 21-day period, participants received either larazotide or a placebo, with follow-up for up to six months post-treatment. The results were encouraging: children who received larazotide experienced quicker resolution of gastrointestinal symptoms, accelerated clearance of SARS-CoV-2 viral particles, and a faster return to normal activities compared to those given the placebo.

Lead author Dr. Lael Yonker highlighted the broader implications of the study, stating, “While our study is small, its results are powerful and have implications not only for MIS-C, but potentially for long COVID.” The research team is currently conducting additional trials to determine whether larazotide could also benefit patients with long COVID.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, these findings present a promising path forward for treating persistent post-COVID complications in children, offering hope to families and clinicians seeking new solutions for this complex and serious condition.

Disclaimer: The findings summarized above are based on a small clinical trial and should not be considered conclusive evidence. Larazotide is an investigational drug and is not currently approved for the treatment of MIS-C or long COVID. Patients and caregivers should consult healthcare professionals before making any treatment decisions.