Nova Southeastern University’s Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine (INIM) focuses on the post-viral phase following acute infection, commonly known as “Long COVID.” Our research includes surveys to assess long-term health risks, biomarker analysis, and clinical observation to characterize patient phenotypes. Additionally, we are conducting trials of carefully selected therapeutic agents to alleviate Long COVID symptoms. Through these efforts, we aim to enhance treatment strategies for Long COVID and other neuro-inflammatory conditions.
COVID-UPP Study:
The COVID UPP study, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to understand the risk of long-term sequelae post-COVID-19 acute infection, focusing significantly on fatigue symptomatology. The target population is adult participants, aged 18-65 years, living in South Florida who tested positive for COVID-19 infection. Participants complete online screening forms and instruments to determine eligibility for the project. If inclusion criteria are met, individuals are enrolled in the longitudinal study. These participants complete self-reported health assessments every three months for up to three years. Health assessment questions ascertain the trajectory of post-acute COVID symptoms among a cohort of subjects who self-reported ME/CFS-like symptoms upon enrollment. A small comparison group of subjects who report having fully recovered from COVID-19 is followed to ascertain the delayed development of post-acute COVID symptoms following recovery of COVID-19. In this study, we aim to gain insight into the risk of long-term sequelae following COVID-19 acute infection, with a specific focus on the progression to chronic, viral-induced fatigue syndrome or ME/CFS-like illness. In addition, in a companion study, we aim to describe the clinical and biologic features of post-COVID-19 infection using methods developed by public health and ME/CFS expert clinicians.
The COVID UPP team works closely with many healthcare systems throughout South Florida to recruit participants. Participants are placed in survey groups (unrecovered or fully recovered) basedon their self-report responses as having experienced negative impacts from COVID-19 infection that include post-acute COVID symptomatology such as being tired, experiencing low energy and/or more fatigued than before testing positive for COVID-19 infection. In a separate protocol for a companion study, 150 unrecovered subjects from the longitudinal study and 50 fully recovered control subjects are invited to visit NSU’s Institute for Neuro-Immune clinic for a phenotyping assessment that includes self-report assessments, neurocognitive assessment, physical exam, biomarker labs, as well as cardiovascular assessments (Echocardiogram, Electrocardiogram and pulmonary function tests). The COVID UPP study is recruiting individuals until July 2025. The study will conclude in September 2025.
To learn more contact us at (305) 275-5450 or postcoviduppstudy@nova.edu. If you’re interested in participating in this research, please complete the COVID-UPP survey.
Monoclonal Antibodies:
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that act as the body’s naturally produced antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies supplement antibodies, where they both travel through the bloodstream to detect and fight foreign substances.
Our developing clinical trial aims to test the safety and effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies on Long COVID symptoms. If you are suffering from chronic, post-viral COVID and would like to learn more about this study, please send an email to LongCOVID@nova.edu.
If you are interested in participating in this upcoming trial, please complete the Long COVID Research Connect survey.