Effects of a CB1 Receptor Antagonist/Inverse Agonist (Rimonabant) on the Improvement of Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome (RIMOCOVID-1)
Many people with long COVID (post-COVID-19 syndrome) struggle with ongoing problems like poor concentration, memory lapses, and extreme tiredness, often called 'brain fog'. This clinical trial aims to find out if an experimental treatment can help. Researchers are testing a tablet called rimonabant at a low daily dose of 2.5 mg. They are comparing it against a placebo, which looks identical but contains no active medicine. Neither you nor the study team will know which one you receive. Participants will complete standard thinking and memory puzzles, walking assessments, and quality-of-life questionnaires over several clinic visits. The main goal is to measure whether the medicine helps speed up mental processing and reduce day-to-day fatigue. The study is open to adults aged 18 and over who continue to experience symptoms after having COVID-19.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Catching COVID-19 can sometimes lead to lasting health issues that stick around for months. This is widely known as long COVID or post-COVID-19 syndrome. One of the most frustrating and disruptive symptoms is 'brain fog'—a feeling of mental cloudiness that makes it difficult to focus, find the right words, or remember everyday details. It often comes hand-in-hand with deep physical and mental exhaustion that does not improve with rest.
This trial is looking into whether a tablet called rimonabant can help clear this mental haze. Rimonabant works by interacting with specific signals in the brain and nervous system that play a role in inflammation, mood, and energy balance. Scientists want to explore whether a low dose can calm down pathways that may be causing long COVID brain fog and help the brain work more efficiently again.
During the trial, half of the participants will take rimonabant, while the other half will take a dummy pill (placebo). By comparing the two groups, doctors can clearly see if any improvements in concentration, walking ability, or sleep are truly due to the medicine. Finding a treatment that works could bring much-needed relief to millions of people struggling to get their lives back on track after a COVID-19 infection.
Key takeaways
- Tests whether the tablet rimonabant can improve 'brain fog' in long COVID.
- Compares a daily low-dose tablet against an inactive dummy pill (placebo).
- Open to men and women aged 18 and older with ongoing post-COVID symptoms.
- Involves memory tests, walking assessments, and health questionnaires over several visits.
- Participation is entirely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults aged 18 and over of any gender who have been diagnosed with post-COVID-19 syndrome and are experiencing problems with thinking, memory, or extreme tiredness.
Because this is an exploratory trial, the researchers need to make sure the medicine is safe for you to take. You will likely need to undergo a medical check-up to confirm that your symptoms are related to past COVID-19 infection and not another underlying health problem.
People with certain medical conditions, especially severe mental health problems or serious liver or kidney illness, may not be able to join. The research team will discuss your full medical history with you before you agree to take part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am aged 18 or older.
- I have had COVID-19 and still experience symptoms (long COVID).
- I struggle with ongoing memory problems, slow thinking, or 'brain fog'.
- I am able and willing to attend several clinic visits for tests and check-ups.
- I can take a daily tablet as instructed by the study team.
What does participation involve?
Taking part involves attending several appointments at a study clinic. You will be randomly chosen by a computer to take either rimonabant tablets (2.5 mg) or dummy tablets once a day. Neither you nor your study doctors can pick which group you are in.
Across your visits, you will complete various tasks to see how your brain and body are doing. These include short pen-and-paper or computer thinking games to test your memory and reaction speed. You will also do simple physical checks, like a 6-minute walking test and a 10-metre timed walk, to measure your stamina. You will fill out questionnaires about your sleep, fatigue levels, and overall quality of life. The study includes several check-ins during treatment and a follow-up visit after you finish your tablets to see how you are feeling.
Potential risks and benefits
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Common questions
What is a placebo?
A placebo is a dummy pill that looks and tastes identical to the real medicine but contains no active ingredients. It helps scientists see if the real drug works better than nothing at all.
Can I choose to take the real medicine instead of the placebo?
No. A computer randomly decides who gets the real tablet and who gets the dummy tablet, giving everyone an equal chance. This ensures the results are fair and unbiased.
Are the thinking tests difficult or painful?
Not at all. The tests are simple puzzles, word games, and matching tasks done on paper or a screen. They can be tiring, but they are not painful.
Will taking part cost me anything?
No, the study medication and tests are provided for free. Many trials also offer help with travel costs to and from the clinic.
What happens if I want to stop the study early?
You can leave the trial at any time without giving a reason. Your standard healthcare and relationship with your doctors will not be affected.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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