Study into the effects of daily use of metformin and low-dose naltrexone (LDN) for 4 weeks to reduce symptoms, disease severity, and recovery time from COVID-19.
The researchers will treat 40 patients with metformin (1500 mg/day) and LDN (4.5 mg/day) for
4 weeks to reduce symptoms, disease severity, and recovery time from COVID-19. These 40
patients will be compared with 40 control patients who will receive regular care. All
patients will be asked to complete surveys at baseline and after 1, 2, and 4 weeks after
initiation of treatment. The difference with baseline at each time point will be assessed.
The surveys will assess COVID-19 symptoms severity.
Drug: Metformin
Metformin at 1500 mg/day
Drug: Naltrexone
Naltrexone at 4.5 mg/day (LDN)
Other Name: LDN
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 30-70
- Any sex
- Any ethnicity
- Adequate cognitive function to be able to give informed consent
- Technologically competent to complete web forms and perform video calls with the PI
- Positive PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test result for SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute
respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) within the last 10 days
- At least two COVID-19 symptoms as assessed by laboratory or patient self-reporting
started within the last 3 days
- Willing to fill out regular questionnaires
- Willing to take metformin and LDN
Exclusion Criteria:
- Clinically significant hepatic, renal, or cardiac impairment (as determined by
previous clinical judgement)
- Hypoglycemia
- Currently on drugs for COVID-19
- Hospitalization for COVID-19
- (Suspected) pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active cancer
- Uncontrolled mental health issues
- On any medication with major interactions with metformin or LDN
- Taking opioid analgesics, or being treated for opioid addiction/recovery
- Opioid dependence or withdrawal syndrome
- Known sensitivity to metformin or naltrexone
- Current users of metformin or naltrexone
AgelessRx
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States