COVID - 19NCT07711444
The Efficacy of Long-Chain Fatty Acids, Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs), in Treating Long COVID Neuropsychiatric Symptoms
A study testing Eicosapentaenoic acid (omega-3 fatty acid) and Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediator in people with COVID - 19 and Depression - Major Depressive Disorder, run by National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan at 1 site in Taiwan.
Trial summary
Researchers conducted a 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of EPA or SPM treatments versus a placebo in managing Long COVID symptoms in adult patients. Researchers planned to enroll 240 eligible participants from various general and psychiatric hospitals in Taiwan. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- COVID - 19, Depression - Major Depressive Disorder
- What is being tested?
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (omega-3 fatty acid) and Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediator
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 54 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTaiwan
- Study dates
- 1 Jun 2024to 1 Jun 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection by PCR, documented positive test, or clinician diagnosis
- Meeting CDC criteria for Post-COVID Conditions (Long COVID) as the presence of new, returning, or ongoing symptoms ≥4 weeks after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection
- Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-21) score ≥18 at baseline
- Stable antidepressant treatment for ≥4 weeks or no current antidepressant use; and
- Ability to provide written informed consent
Who cannot join
- Current or past six-month diagnosis of psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, or other major psychiatric conditions based on ICD-10 or DSM-5 criteria
- Significant neurological or medical comorbidities (eg, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, autoimmune disease, cancer), acute infections, or clinically significant laboratory abnormalities
- Regular use of SPM or EPA supplementation >0·5 g/day
- Known allergy or intolerance to omega-3 fatty acids or SPMs; and
- Requirement for inpatient psychiatric care due to acute suicide risk
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Taiwan1 site
Mind-Body Interface Research Center (MBI Lab & Care)
Taichung, Taichung, 404
About this study
Official title: Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediator for Depressive Symptoms in Long COVID: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Researchers conducted a 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of EPA or SPM treatments versus a placebo in managing Long COVID symptoms in adult patients. Researchers planned to enroll 240 eligible participants from various general and psychiatric hospitals in Taiwan. The focus was on evaluating the therapeutic impact and potential side effects of administering 3 g/day of EPA or 1.67 mg/day of SPMs on symptoms of depression in these patients. This consolidated approach aims to provide comprehensive insights into the efficacy of EPA and SPM treatments in Long COVID cases, addressing crucial mental health aspects.
- Conditions
- COVID - 19, Depression - Major Depressive Disorder
- Being tested
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (omega-3 fatty acid), Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediator, Placebo
- Keywords
- SPM, EPA, Depression
- Medical subject headings
- COVID-19, Depression
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Eicosapentaenoic acid (omega-3 fatty acid)Dietary supplement
Also called EPA
A total daily dose of 3 g, administered as six capsules
Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid MediatorDietary supplement
Also called SPM
A total daily dose of 1.67 g, administered as six capsules
PlaceboDietary supplement
Six capsules containing soybean oil daily
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) | Experimental | Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) at a total daily dose of 3 g, administered as six capsules Receives: Dietary Supplement: Eicosapentaenoic acid (omega-3 fatty acid) |
| Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) | Experimental | SPM at a total daily dose of 1.67 g, administered as six capsules Receives: Dietary Supplement: Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediator |
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | soybean oil Receives: Dietary Supplement: Placebo |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD)
Adult depressive symptoms were assessed using the 21-item HAMD at baseline (week 0) and at weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12.
Measured: (week 0) and at weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12
Secondary outcomes (1)
Erythrocyte Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Peripheral blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the 12-week intervention period using EDTA-containing tubes for erythrocyte fatty acid analysis
Measured: Week 0 and Week 12
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted17 Jul 2026
- Study start1 Jun 2024
- Primary completion1 Dec 2025
- Study completion1 Jun 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for COVID - 19Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- The interventional model, including the supplementation of EPA and SPM
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 54 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan
- Sponsor type
- Other government
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Kuan-Pin, National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07711444
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CMUH113-REC2-158
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 14 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 21 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 21 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediator for Depressive Symptoms in Long COVID: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07711444
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CMUH113-REC2-158
- Conditions
- COVID - 19, Depression - Major Depressive Disorder
- Keywords
- SPM, EPA, Depression
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 54 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- National Science and Technology Council, TaiwanOther government
- Study start
- 1 Jun 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Jun 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 17 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Researchers conducted a 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of EPA or SPM treatments versus a placebo in managing Long COVID symptoms in adult patients. Researchers planned to enroll 240 eligible participants from various general and psychiatric hospitals in Taiwan. The focus was on evaluating the therapeutic impact and potential side effects of administering 3 g/day of EPA or 1.67 mg/day of SPMs on symptoms of depression in these patients. This consolidated approach aims to provide comprehensive insights into the efficacy of EPA and SPM treatments in Long COVID cases, addressing crucial mental health aspects.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, care provider, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- The interventional model, including the supplementation of EPA and SPM
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Eicosapentaenoic acid (omega-3 fatty acid)Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) at a total daily dose of 3 g, administered as six capsules |
| Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid MediatorSPM at a total daily dose of 1.67 g, administered as six capsules |
| Placebo | Placebo comparator | Dietary Supplement: Placebosoybean oil |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection by PCR, documented positive test, or clinician diagnosis
- Meeting CDC criteria for Post-COVID Conditions (Long COVID) as the presence of new, returning, or ongoing symptoms ≥4 weeks after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection
- Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-21) score ≥18 at baseline
- Stable antidepressant treatment for ≥4 weeks or no current antidepressant use; and
- Ability to provide written informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Current or past six-month diagnosis of psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, or other major psychiatric conditions based on ICD-10 or DSM-5 criteria
- Significant neurological or medical comorbidities (eg, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, autoimmune disease, cancer), acute infections, or clinically significant laboratory abnormalities
- Regular use of SPM or EPA supplementation >0·5 g/day
- Known allergy or intolerance to omega-3 fatty acids or SPMs; and
- Requirement for inpatient psychiatric care due to acute suicide risk
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Eicosapentaenoic acid (omega-3 fatty acid)Also: EPAA total daily dose of 3 g, administered as six capsules | Dietary supplement | Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) |
| Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid MediatorAlso: SPMA total daily dose of 1.67 g, administered as six capsules | Dietary supplement | Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) |
| PlaceboSix capsules containing soybean oil daily | Dietary supplement | Placebo |
Primary outcome
Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD)
Time frame: (week 0) and at weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12
Adult depressive symptoms were assessed using the 21-item HAMD at baseline (week 0) and at weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12.
1 secondary outcome
Erythrocyte Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Time frame: Week 0 and Week 12
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 21 Jul 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for COVID - 19
Not yet recruitingPhase 1
A Safety, Reactogenicity and Immunogenicity Trial of RVX-sCPD9 Booster Intranasal COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID -19
RecruitingObservational study
Natural History of Post-Coronavirus Disease 19 Convalescence at the National Institutes of Health
Post-Coronavirus Disease 19
RecruitingPhase 4
Comparative Immunogenicity of Respiratory Virus Vaccines (CIRV2) Study
COVID -19, COVID - 19
Not yet recruitingPhase 3
Dapagliflozin for Long COVID Syndrome
COVID - 19, Long COVID Syndrome
Not yet recruitingPhase 2
Study of VYD2311 for the Treatment of Adults With Long-COVID or Post-Vaccination Syndrome
Long COVID, COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 Infection)
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Eicosapentaenoic acid (omega-3 fatty acid) and Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediator in people with COVID - 19 and Depression - Major Depressive Disorder, run by National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan at 1 site in Taiwan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Taiwan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) (time frame: (week 0) and at weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 21 Jul 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 8 Nov 2026.