Official Title
A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Pilot Study of the Combination of Valacyclovir + Celecoxib (IMC-2) for the Treatment of Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Adults
Brief Summary

To explore the safety and efficacy of daily doses of celecoxib + valacyclovir in the treatment of patients with prolonged symptoms caused by COVID-19.

Detailed Description

This is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, single-center, three arm, 12-week
study designed to explore the safety and efficacy of daily doses of valacyclovir + celecoxib
for the treatment of prolonged symptoms caused by COVID-19 infection in adult female
patients. The treatment consists of twice daily doses of valacyclovir and celecoxib, which is
theorized to provide potent suppression of tissue-resident herpes viruses subsequently
activated by an initial infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The physiological response to
tissue-resident herpes virus activation is in turn hypothesized to be causally related to
symptoms associated with the Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC). There are
three arms and in each arm, patients take four blue capsules and one white capsule in the
morning and again in the evening. The capsules dispensed for arm 1 will consist of four 375mg
valacyclovir capsules and one 200 mg celecoxib capsule. Arm 2 will be dispensed two blue
375mg valacyclovir capsules, two blue placebo capsules and one white 200 mg celecoxib
capsule. Arm 3 will be dispensed four blue placebo capsules and one white placebo capsule.

Approximately 60 female patients will be enrolled at Bateman Horne Center for this study.

Candidates will undergo initial pre-screening by telephone or database review, after which,
if they appear to meet initial entry criteria, they will have an in- person screening visit.
They will start recording symptom data, starting at the baseline visit, and continuing with
weekly recordings, for the duration of their study participation. Each week, the patient will
provide information on their average fatigue, sleep quality and pain intensity.

Patients with underlying medical or psychiatric conditions that could impact their safe
participation in the study or interfere with their ability to complete or comply with the
study's requirements will not be enrolled. In addition, any patient dependent upon
opioids/narcotics (collectively referred to as "opioids") for pain control for any reason
will not be enrolled in the study.

Due to the celecoxib component of the combination therapy, patients using NSAIDs or COX-2
inhibitors will need to discontinue use of NSAIDs at least 7 days before randomization.
NSAIDs including PRN usage should not be utilized for the duration of the study. Instead,
acetaminophen may be utilized as needed throughout the study (but not to exceed 3250 mg per
day). Patients may also continue low-dose aspirin for cardioprotection (< 325 mg/day).

Patients may remain on stable doses of SSRIs and other non-excluded anti- depressants;
however, poorly controlled, or severely depressed patients should not be enrolled. Only
clinically stable and well-controlled patients should be considered, i.e., patients with mild
to moderate depression who in the judgement of the investigator are not at risk of suicidal
ideation or behavior.

For all patients a screening visit will be conducted so the PI or Sub-I can ensure that all
entry criteria have been satisfied. At baseline, the PI/sub-I will ensure all safety
laboratory results are satisfactory, any required washout has been completed and all entry
criteria have been met. Patients should initiate study drug treatment on the day of the
Baseline visit (Day 1), followed by BID dosing for the duration of the study.

Blood and urine will be collected at the Screening visit for safety assessments. Urine
pregnancy tests will be performed at Week 4, 8 and 12 (or early termination) visits for
patients with child-bearing potential. A blood sample for safety labs will be collected
during Week 12/ET. Urine drug screening for drugs of abuse will be conducted at the Screening
visit; patients positive for cocaine, methamphetamine, phencyclidine (PCP), methadone,
non-disclosed amphetamines and non-disclosed opiates will be screen failed. Patients positive
for disclosed, prescribed opioids at the Screening visit, yet deemed suitable for washout,
must be able to remain off all opioids for the duration of the study and have a negative
repeat UDS at the Baseline visit. Additional drug testing may be conducted at the PI or
Sub-I's discretion.

Patients with clinically significant renal insufficiency or a history of renal disease (as
defined in the entry criteria) will be excluded.

Patients will have in-person study visits scheduled for Screening, Baseline, Weeks 4, 8 and
12/ET. If necessary, remote visits may be substituted for the Week 4 and/or Week 8 visits. A
follow-up survey or phone call will be scheduled approximately 2 weeks after completion of
study drug treatment at Week 12 or ET.

Recruiting
Long Covid
PASC Post Acute Sequelae of COVID 19

Drug: Valacyclovir celecoxib dose 1

1500 mg valacyclovir 200 mg celecoxib taken two times a day
Other Name: Arm 1

Drug: Valacyclovir celecoxib dose 2

750 mg valacyclovir 200 celecoxib mg taken two times a day
Other Name: Arm 2

Drug: Placebo

Placebo capsules colored matched to investigational product taken two times a day
Other Name: Arm 3

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Willing and able to read, understand, and sign the informed consent.

2. Female at birth, 18-65 years of age at the time of study entry.

3. Must have smartphone with internet access to complete surveys online.

4. Diagnosis of Long COVID according to any of the following definitions Infected
individuals will have a history of suspected, probable, or confirmed SARS-CoV-2
infection as defined by WHO criteria and at least three months of persistent fatigue
and muscle weakness, functional impairment, and cognitive impairment since the acute
infection.

Adults with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. An adult qualifies as having suspected
SARS-CoV-2 infection if meeting at least one of the following criteria (a-e) below:

a. Clinical criteria: Acute onset of fever and cough OR acute onset of any three or more of
the following signs or symptoms: fever, cough, general weakness /fatigue, headache,
myalgia, sore throat, coryza, dyspnea, anorexia/nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, altered mental
status. These patients should also meet one of the following epidemiological criteria: i.
Epidemiological criteria:

1. Residing or working in an area with a high risk of transmission of virus: closed
residential settings, humanitarian settings such as camp and camp-like settings for
displaced persons; anytime within the 14 days before symptom onset; or

2. Residing or travel to an area with community transmission anytime within the 14 days
before symptom onset; or

3. Working in any health care setting, including within health facilities or the
community, anytime within the 14 days before symptom onset.

b. A patient with severe acute respiratory illness: (acute respiratory infection with
history of fever or measured fever of ≥38C°; and cough; with onset within the last ten
days; and requires hospitalization).

c. An asymptomatic patient not meeting any of the epidemiologic criteria above but
with a previously positive SARS-CoV-2 Antigen- RDT.

d. Adults with probable SARS-CoV-2 infection. An adult qualifies as having probable
SARS-CoV-2 infection if meeting any one of 1-3 below: i. A patient who meets clinical
criteria for suspected SARS- CoV-2 AND is a contact of a probable or confirmed case or
linked to a COVID-19 cluster; ii. A suspect case with chest imaging showing findings
suggestive of COVID-19 disease; iii. A person with recent onset of anosmia (loss of
smell) or ageusia (loss of taste) in the absence of any other identified cause; e.
Adults with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. An adult qualifies as having confirmed
SARS-CoV-2 infection if meeting any one of 1-4 below: i. Any person with a positive
Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT); ii. Any person with of a positive SARS-CoV-2
Antigen-RDT AND meeting either the probable case definition or suspect criteria A OR
B; iii. An asymptomatic person with a positive SARS-CoV-2 Antigen-RDT who is a contact
of a probable or confirmed case; iv. Any person with a positive SARS-CoV-2
nucleocapsid protein antibody test OR a positive SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody
test IF not vaccinated

5. Women of child-bearing potential must have a negative serum pregnancy test at screening
and agree to on-site urine pregnancy testing at all subsequent study visits. Women
confirmed to be of non-childbearing potential do not require pregnancy testing. Pregnancy
tests will not be required for remote visits. To be considered of non-child-bearing
potential, the patient must be:

a. Post-menopausal (defined as no menses for at least one year); or b. Surgically sterile
(s/p hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy, or bilateral tubal ligation at least six months
prior to beginning treatment with study drug); or c. At least three months s/p a
non-surgical permanent sterilization procedure 6. A urine drug screen performed at the
Screening Visit must be negative for drugs of abuse such as methamphetamine, cocaine,
phencyclidine (PCP), and non-disclosed amphetamines and opioids/opiates. The following
stipulations also apply:

1. Patients with a positive screening UDS due to prescribed amphetamines for allowed
conditions do not require further UDS testing. They may proceed with study treatment,
assuming no evidence of abuse or dependency.

2. Patients positive for prescribed opioids at the Screening Visit yet deemed appropriate
for washout and study participants must have a negative repeat UDS at the Baseline
Visit.

7. Patients must be willing and able to withdraw and refrain from chronic use of
antivirals (as defined in Exclusion Criterion, below). In the judgement of the
investigator, it must be medically advisable for these therapies to be withdrawn.

8. Qualified patients with mild to moderate depression who in the judgment of the
investigator are not at risk of suicidal ideation or behavior. The dose of allowed
antidepressants should have been stable for at least 30 days prior to Baseline Visit..

9. In the opinion of the Investigator, the patient is willing and able to comply with
all protocol-specified requirements.

10. Women of child-bearing potential must be willing to utilize an effective birth
control method for the duration of the study. Allowable contraceptive methods include:

a. Oral, implantable, injectable, or transdermal hormonal contraceptives (should have been
used for a minimum of one full cycle prior to administration of study drug) b. Intrauterine
devices (IUD) c. Double barrier method (male or female condom, sponge, diaphragm, or
vaginal ring with simultaneous use of spermicidal jelly or cream) 11. Patients should not
require routine treatment with warfarin, heparin, lithium, digoxin, amiodarone, isoniazid,
phenytoin, fluconazole, methotrexate, probenecid, or raloxifene. Patients on these
medications should not be screened. PRN usage of fluconazole for short time periods is
permitted.

12. Patients must have successfully completed at least two PROMIS Fatigue and two PROMIS
Sleep Disturbance surveys a minimum of 7 days apart during the interval leading up to the
baseline visit.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant during the next six months.

2. In the opinion of the Investigator, any clinically significant, uncontrolled, or
unstable medical or surgical condition that could affect the patient's ability to
participate in the study or potentially compromise her well-being while enrolled in
the study.

3. In the opinion of the Investigator or based on results of the HADS, evidence of a
clinically significant psychiatric disorder; e.g., severe, unstable or poorly
controlled depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder; moderate or severe
alcohol use disorder; substance use disorder other than mild cannabis use disorder; or
any history of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or other
psychotic disorder.

4. A score of >15 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) determined by survey at
screening.

5. A positive response to thoughts of suicide or self-harm on the PHQ-9 determined by
survey at screening.

6. A diagnosis of ME/CFS prior to January 2020.

7. Any anticipated need for surgery that in the opinion of the Principal Investigator or
Sub-I might confound results or interfere with the patient's ability to comply with
the protocol.

8. Symptomatic and/or otherwise clinically significant cardiac disease, including but not
limited to myocardial infarction during the preceding two years; uncontrolled
hypertension; symptomatic heart failure (e.g., New York Heart Association Class II or
higher); angina or other evidence of significant coronary artery disease; clinically
significant cardiac rhythm or conduction abnormality or anticipation of bypass or
other cardiac surgery within the next 12 months.

9. Acute non-COVID systemic infection (e.g., HIV, hepatitis) or other active viral or
bacterial infection during the screening/washout period or at the Baseline visit.
(Patient may remain in screening until the active infection has resolved, or re-screen
after recuperation.)

10. Currently receiving chronic systemic corticosteroids (>5 mg prednisone daily, or
equivalent).

11. Uncontrolled sleep apnea. Patients successfully treated with CPAP or other devices are
eligible.

12. Use of chronic nucleoside analog antiviral suppression therapy within one month of the
Screening Visit or requiring on average more than one acute treatment course every two
months.

13. Current use of celecoxib either alone or in combination with valacyclovir or
famciclovir

14. In the opinion of the Investigator, evidence of current drug or alcohol abuse or
dependency, or history of abuse or dependence during the preceding 12 months.

15. The patient has undergone a malabsorptive weight loss procedure (e.g., Roux-en-Y or
other bypass procedure).

16. Severe IBS-C or colonic inertia as evidenced by seven or more days between bowel
movements.

17. History of significant adverse reaction or allergy to sulfonamides, celecoxib,
famciclovir, acyclovir, valacyclovir or penciclovir cream (Denavir®).

18. History of aspirin-sensitive asthma, or any other history of other allergic- type
reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAID such as asthma or urticaria.

19. History of Sulfa Allergy.

20. History of peptic ulcer disease or upper gastrointestinal bleeding that is thought to
pose a significant risk of GI bleeding with the daily use of celecoxib.

21. Clinically significant elevations of AST, ALT, or bilirubin at the screening
assessment (or at the last assessment prior to baseline, if repeated) in the opinion
of the Investigator.

22. Presence of active kidney disease, as evidenced by an estimated glomerular filtration
rate (eGFR) of less than 60 mL/min/1.73m2.

23. History of acute kidney injury within the past year, any history of chronic kidney
disease stage 3 or higher.

24. In the opinion of the Investigator, evidence of other clinically significant
laboratory abnormality(ies) based on the screening laboratory assessments and/or
medical history.

25. Untreated, symptomatic gall bladder disease (i.e., symptoms within preceding six
months).

26. Plans to undergo vaccination against Herpes varicella/ zoster (i.e., shingles or
chickenpox) during the study. Instead, vaccination should be completed at least 14
days prior to the Baseline Visit or delayed until at least two weeks after the last
dose of study medication.

27. Patients known or suspected to be slow CYP2C9 metabolizers based on genotype or
previous history/experience with other CYP2C9 substrates (such as warfarin, phenytoin,
glimepiride, tolbutamide, celecoxib, meloxicam, piroxicam, or ibuprofen).

28. Investigational drug usage within 30 days of Screening.

Eligibility Gender
Female
Eligibility Age
Minimum: 18 Years ~ Maximum: 65 Years
Countries
United States
Locations

Bateman Horne Center
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

Investigator: Lucinda Bateman, MD
Contact: 801-359-7400
lbateman@batemanhornecenter.org

Contacts

Suzanne D Vernon, PhD
(801) 893-6211
sdvernon@batemanhornecenter.org

Candace Rond
(801) 893-6211
crond@batemanhornecenter.org

Lucinda Bateman, MD, Principal Investigator
Bateman Horne Center

Bateman Horne Center
NCT Number
MeSH Terms
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Valacyclovir
Celecoxib