In short

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  • LC-REVITALIZE is an international trial testing whether two existing medicines, upadacitinib and pirfenidone, can ease long COVID symptoms. Some people take a placebo.
  • In Canada it is enrolling in Montreal and Sherbrooke, Quebec. Study medicines and assessments are provided at no cost.
  • Adults with a confirmed COVID-19 infection and long COVID symptoms for 3 months or more can contact a study site to check if they qualify.

New: Long Covid Study

Discover the LC-REVITALIZE clinical trial for Long Covid in Canada, now enrolling in Montreal and Sherbrooke.

Learn how upadacitinib is being tested to relieve Long Covid symptoms, eligibility requirements, and how to contact local research teams to see if you can participate.

stylized image of a stethescope and vials of blood on a table, the colors are bright pink and blue

See If You Qualify to Join the Upadacitinib Study in Montreal or Sherbrooke.

A new clinical trial, the LC-REVITALIZE study, is now open and actively recruiting patients in Canada. This global trial is evaluating whether repurposed medications can offer relief for people suffering with Long Covid symptoms. If you are living in Montreal or Sherbrooke, Quebec, you may be eligible to participate and help advance potential treatments.

Western University, Canada – long COVID research

About the LC-REVITALIZE Study

The LC-REVITALIZE clinical study is a major effort spanning multiple countries, including Canada, Brazil, Italy, Uganda, Zambia, and the United States. Its primary goal is to test whether existing drugs, specifically upadacitinib (a medication approved for arthritis) and pirfenidone (approved for lung disease), can reduce or eliminate symptoms of Long Covid. Both are not currently authorized for Long Covid, but research suggests they may interrupt biological pathways linked to the condition.

What the Study Involves

Participants must be adults who have previously had Covid-19 and have experienced symptoms of Long Covid for at least three months.​ The main focus is on improvement in five areas: fatigue, breathing, memory/thinking/communication, muscle and joint pain, and circulation.​ In the first phase, 348 participants will be randomly assigned to take either upadacitinib, pirfenidone, or a placebo (inactive pill) for three months.​ The study is “adaptive”, future phases may continue with the most effective treatment or explore new combinations based on early results.​ The trial also gathers data on safety and how the drugs may affect inflammation and other body processes connected to Long Covid.

Why this Matters

Long Covid remains a significant health challenge and few treatments are available. Drug repurposing, using medicines already approved for other conditions, may bring effective solutions more quickly than developing new drugs from scratch. Previous research by the trial organizers identified upadacitinib and pirfenidone as promising candidates using cutting edge technology.

Who Can Participate?

Adults (age 18 or older) Had a confirmed Covid-19 infection Still experiencing symptoms of Long Covid for 3 months or more Meet other medical requirements (to be discussed with the study team)

If you are interested in the study and live in Quebec, there are two Canadian sites currently enrolling:

Physicians may need to provide referral information; check with individual sites for details.

If you or someone you know is struggling with Long Covid, this study offers a promising opportunity to access emerging therapies while contributing to vital research that could help patients around the world. For more information or to see if you’re eligible, contact one of the study sites above. Participation is confidential and voluntary, and all study medications and assessments are provided at no cost.

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