- The £1.25m study, being led by the University of Derby, is trialling antiviral medications as a treatment for symptoms of long COVID
- Professor Ian Maidment from Aston Pharmacy School is the lead pharmacist and will provide support for the clinical trials
- It is estimated that more than 2m people in the UK and more than 144m globally live with long COVID
Professor Ian Maidment, at Aston Pharmacy School, is the lead pharmacist on a groundbreaking research project looking to find a treatment for symptoms of long COVID, which is being led by the University of Derby.
The £1.25m trial, which is the first of its kind in the UK, is exploring whether antiviral medications can be used as an effective treatment option for patients diagnosed with long COVID. It is estimated that more than 2m people in the UK and more than 144m globally live with long COVID and almost a quarter of sufferers have had their symptoms for more than two years. Symptoms are broad and include extreme fatigue and breathlessness, palpitations, and brain fog.
The trial, which began in September 2024, is part of a wider programme of groundbreaking research being led by the University of Derby. Involving 72 patients, the research is trialling the use of an antiviral drug that can be given to those admitted to hospital because of a COVID-19 infection. As most people experience a community infection and are not hospitalised, they do not have a way to access this medication. By taking the drug out of the acute admission setting, the researchers are hoping to see whether it can help those living with long COVID and alleviate some of the symptoms that they are living with.
During the trial, patients undergo a series of assessments at the University of Derby’s specialist facilities before attending the hospital to receive the antiviral drug intravenously for five consecutive days, delivered in collaboration with experts from University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust. Researchers from the University of Exeter are also involved, and the study is being managed by the University of Plymouth’s Peninsula Clinical Trials Unit. Professor Maidment will provide support for the clinical trials.
Patients recruited in Exeter will undertake detailed body scans, which will be analysed to check if the antiviral medication has reduced inflammation, which may occur in people with long COVID.
Mark Faghy, professor in clinical exercise science at the University of Derby and the study lead, said:
“The impact long COVID has on the lives of patients is huge. For many, it can be debilitating, interfering with work, family life, and socialising, and millions are suffering across the world. Yet, at present, there are no confirmed treatments for the condition. Five years on from the start of the pandemic, long COVID remains a significant health and societal challenge, which is why this project is so important.
“This is an ongoing project with various phases and is still in its infancy, but we are excited to have taken the first steps to hopefully improve the quality of life for those living with long COVID.”
Professor David Strain, clinical lead based at the University of Exeter Medical School, said:
“There is a clear need for people living with long COVID and we hope from this study we can see a reduction in the symptoms people experience. It will be an ongoing project with various phases, but we are excited to be taking the first steps to improve patients' quality of life.”
Professor Ian Maidment, Aston Pharmacy School, said:
“We need clinical trials to develop new and effective treatments for long COVID. Pharmacy support is critical for the successful delivery of these studies.”
Over the past four years, Professor Faghy and his team at the University of Derby have conducted a series of international studies to explore the impacts of acute and long COVID, looking to understand the causes and contributing factors of long COVID by bringing clinical insight together with the lived experience of patients.
- Notes to editors
Find out more about long COVID research at the University of Derby.
About Aston University
For over 130 years, Aston University has been making our world a better place through education, research and innovation. Our history is intertwined with the remarkable city of Birmingham, once the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and now the thriving base for an innovation ecosystem of global significance, which Aston is co-creating.
Our vision is to be a leading university for science, technology and enterprise, measured by the positive transformational impact we achieve for our people, students, businesses and the communities we serve.
Aston focuses on high-quality, exploitable research that has an impact on society through medical breakthroughs, advancements in engineering, policy and practice in government, and the strategies and performance of business.
The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, as well as continuing professional development solutions.
Thanks to its focus on delivering excellent outcomes for students, Aston University's reputation continues to grow. It was recognised as the Daily Mail University of the Year for Student Success 2025, is second in England for social mobility (2023 HEPI Social Mobility Index), and is top 20 for graduate salaries (2024 Longitudinal Education Outcomes).
Aston University is now defining its place in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Helen Tunnicliffe, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7827 090240 or email: h.tunnicliffe@aston.ac.uk.
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About the University of Derby
The University of Derby is an ambitious, innovative, and modern university offering industry-relevant, expert teaching, from foundation and undergraduate degrees to postgraduate study and research.
Derby’s academic strength is backed up by practical experience to ensure its students are ready for a successful career, wherever their talents lie. With more than £200 million invested in the last ten years, the University offers some of the best university facilities in the UK, including a Nuclear Skills Academy, developed in partnership with Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd, STEM Centre, Forensic Training Facility and NHS-standard hospital ward.
In 2025, the University is set to open its new Derby Business School building in the heart of the city centre as part of its broader vision to expand its reach and reputation across the UK and globally. This landmark building is proposed to be net zero carbon in construction and operation, aligning with the University’s sustainability strategies and its low carbon expertise and research agenda.
At Derby, academic expertise, world-leading research and innovation is used to foster talent, support skills development and promote links with businesses regionally, nationally and globally. As well as traditional degree routes, the University offers apprenticeships from levels 2-7 for a wide range of job roles, working with high-profile employers including Rolls Royce, the NHS and the Institute of Quarrying. In addition, continuing professional development, knowledge transfer and sector-leading online courses create opportunities for individuals, employers and communities to develop and flourish.
The University is committed to working with partners to support social mobility, opening the doors to lifelong learning opportunities for anybody who wishes to progress their education. This has been recognised though the University’s involvement in the city of Derby’s membership of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities and its vision for inclusive lifelong learning that truly puts Derby on the world map as an exemplar of best practice.
For more information, please contact pressoffice@derby.ac.uk