A screenshot of language from the FY “Dear Colleague” letter which says: “Research on Long COVID. The Committee remains concerned about the lack of FDA-approved diagnostics and treatments for the estimated 1 in 19 Americans living with Long COVID. To accelerate the NIH’s initial clinical trials on Long COVID, the Committee provides not less than $200,000,000 for new Long COVID research. With these funds, the Committee directs NIH to focus on interventional drug trials, biomarker discovery, and the development of diagnostic tests and therapeutics. Such research should also examine and target conditions commonly associated with Long COVID, including dysautonomia, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The Committee further directs NIH to brief the Committee not later than 180 days after enactment detailing the agency’s progress, including projected timelines and barriers to research progress.” The part that says “directs NIH to focus on interventional drug trials, biomarker discovery, and the development of diagnostic tests and therapeutics” and “including dysautonomia, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)” is highlighted.
The Senate letter centers patient needs: 1) monies are directed to drug trials, biomarkers, & therapeutics AND 2) LC-related conditions like dysautonomia, POTS, & ME/cfs will be included in research. Let’s remind leaders that THESE are the interventions we want and need. 8/X
