Pilot Study Into the Use of Metformin and LDN for Patients With COVID-19

Pilot Study Into the Use of Metformin and Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) for Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Assessment of Short and Long Term Effects

Study into the effects of daily use of metformin and low-dose naltrexone (LDN) for 4 weeks to reduce symptoms, disease severity, and recovery time from COVID-19.

The researchers will treat 40 patients with metformin (1500 mg/day) and LDN (4.5 mg/day) for 4 weeks to reduce symptoms, disease severity, and recovery time from COVID-19. These 40 patients will be compared with 40 control patients who will receive regular care. All patients will be asked to complete surveys at baseline and after 1, 2, and 4 weeks after initiation of treatment. The difference with baseline at each time point will be assessed. The surveys will assess COVID-19 symptoms severity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 30-70
• Any sex
• Any ethnicity
• Adequate cognitive function to be able to give informed consent
• Technologically competent to complete web forms and perform video calls with the PI
• Positive PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test result for SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) within the last 10 days
• At least two COVID-19 symptoms as assessed by laboratory or patient self-reporting started within the last 3 days
• Willing to fill out regular questionnaires
• Willing to take metformin and LDN

Exclusion Criteria:

• Clinically significant hepatic, renal, or cardiac impairment (as determined by previous clinical judgement)
• Hypoglycemia
• Currently on drugs for COVID-19
• Hospitalization for COVID-19
• (Suspected) pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Active cancer
• Uncontrolled mental health issues
• On any medication with major interactions with metformin or LDN
• Taking opioid analgesics, or being treated for opioid addiction/recovery
• Opioid dependence or withdrawal syndrome
• Known sensitivity to metformin or naltrexone
• Current users of metformin or naltrexone