Bezisterim (NE3107) improves cognition, fatigue, sleep, and post-exertional malaise in adults with long COVID
This phase 2, triple-blind, placebo-controlled RCT will evaluate bezisterim (20 mg twice daily for 12 weeks) in 208 adults aged 18-69 with long COVID symptoms lasting at least 3 months. Outcomes include cognition, fatigue, sleep, post-exertional malaise, and quality of life measured via Cogstate Battery and PROMIS scales.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Bezisterim (NE3107) improves cognition, fatigue, sleep, and post-exertional malaise in adults with long COVID The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 42/100 (low).
The Claim
Bezisterim (NE3107) improves cognition, fatigue, sleep, and post-exertional malaise in adults with long COVID
This conclusion is most relevant to: Adults aged 18-69 years with long COVID symptoms (fatigue and neurocognitive impairment) for at least 3 months following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸ADDRESS-LC: study protocol for a phase 2, triple-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bezisterim (NE3107) in adults with long COVID. (BMJ open, 2026) — This phase 2, triple-blind, placebo-controlled RCT will evaluate bezisterim (20 mg twice daily for 12 weeks) in 208 adults aged 18-69 with long COVID symptoms lasting at least 3 months. Outcomes include cognition, fatigue, sleep, post-exertional malaise, and quality of life measured via Cogstate Battery and PROMIS scales.
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Bezisterim inhibits toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling
- ▸Reduces TLR-driven neuroinflammation
- ▸Acts as an insulin sensitizer and anti-inflammatory agent
- ▸May improve cognitive function and reduce fatigue and sleep disturbance in long COVID
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Adults aged 18-69 years with long COVID symptoms (fatigue and neurocognitive impairment) for at least 3 months following SARS-CoV-2 infection
Recommended Dose
20 mg twice daily
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Results are not yet available; this is a study protocol, not completed trial data
- ▸Sample size is moderate (n=208) and may not capture rare adverse events
- ▸Long COVID diagnosis relies on self-reported symptoms and may have heterogeneity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bezisterim (NE3107)?▼
Bezisterim is an oral, blood-brain barrier-permeable, anti-inflammatory, insulin-sensitizing derivative of dehydroepiandrosterone that inhibits TLR-driven neuroinflammation.
How long is the treatment period in this study?▼
Participants receive bezisterim or placebo twice daily for 12 weeks.
What symptoms of long COVID are being targeted?▼
The study focuses on fatigue, neurocognitive impairment (brain fog), sleep disturbance, and post-exertional malaise.
Is this study completed?▼
No, this is a protocol for an ongoing phase 2 trial (NCT06847191) that has not yet reported results.
References
- 1.Markham P, Peluso MJ, Hsiang-Yi Chou S, McCorkell L, O'Quinn S, Reading C, Ahlem C, Petit CM, Yan J, Palumbo JM. “ADDRESS-LC: study protocol for a phase 2, triple-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bezisterim (NE3107) in adults with long COVID..” BMJ open, 2026. PMID: 42498469 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2026-118726