CEPR Statement: Long COVID Patients Need a Moonshot

August 02, 2024

Contact:Eleonora Piergallini, 202-293-5380 x112Mail_Outline

Washington DC - CEPR Research Associate Hayley Brown issued the following statement in support of the Long COVID Research Moonshot Act introduced to Congress today:

"Long COVID patients deserve the urgency and resources of a moonshot initiative. That is why the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) welcomes the introduction of the Long COVID Research Moonshot Act. It is a critical step toward addressing an urgent public health crisis. Many of those infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, continue to experience symptoms for months or years, a condition known as Long COVID. Long COVID can manifest in a wide range of ways and may involve debilitating symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and cardiovascular issues. Between 10 and 30 percent of those who have had COVID-19 may develop Long COVID. This translates into millions of Long COVID patients, and has led experts to declare the ongoing COVID pandemic a mass-disabling event.

"Long COVID, like many other infection-associated chronic conditions (IACCs), remains an area with significant knowledge gaps. There are still no approved, dedicated treatments for Long COVID.

"The Long COVID Research Moonshot Act would make much-needed investments in research, surveillance, public and provider education, and more. It would expedite clinical trials and the development of new treatments. The bill also ensures that Long COVID patients play an active role in research and treatment by requiring consultations with patient-led groups throughout the development of a research plan and during the selection of the program's director."