SARS-CoV-2-specific monoclonal antibody AER002 in Long COVID: an exploratory randomized phase 2a mechanistic trial

LIINC researchers tested whether a SARS-CoV-2-targeting monoclonal antibody, AER002, could help people with Long COVID by clearing possible lingering virus. In a small, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 36 participants, those who received a single infusion did not show significant improvements in physical health, quality of life, cognition, or blood-based biomarkers compared with those who received a placebo. In an exploratory analysis, participants with lower baseline SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels and higher drug exposure were more likely to report feeling better. The findings suggest AER002 was not effective on its own, but they could help guide future trials of antibody treatments targeting viral persistence in Long COVID.