Flinders University Secures MRFF Funding to Address Long COVID Challenges
While it may feel like the pandemic is a thing of the past for some, the reality is that its effects linger on, particularly in the form of Long COVID. Two innovative projects from Flinders University are now poised to confront these enduring consequences, thanks to a substantial allocation of over $3 million from the federal government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Medically referred to as Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), Long COVID is estimated by the World Health Organization to affect about 6% of individuals who contract the virus. Even years later, Australia's health and aged care systems continue to grapple with the repercussions.
One of these pivotal projects, led by Professor Kate Laver, who is affiliated with the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, has successfully secured funding amounting to $2,106,718.10. This initiative aims to implement a flexible and effective care model tailored for frail older Australians at risk of experiencing Long COVID.
Professor Laver emphasizes the profound impact COVID-19 has had on the aged care sector, stating, "Our aged care sector was greatly affected by COVID-19, and we continue to feel its effects long after the initial outbreak."
Research indicates that older adults who are frail often experience prolonged recovery times from COVID-19 compared to younger populations, along with a heightened risk of developing Long COVID. These conditions can severely compromise their independence and diminish their quality of life.
"By collaborating directly with aged care organizations, our research will evaluate a scalable model of care for PASC, focusing on enhancing workforce skills while also assessing the program's effectiveness, adaptability, and sustainability, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes for older Australians," Professor Laver explains.
The second project, spearheaded by Matthew Flinders Professor of Systems Immunology, David Lynn, from the College of Medicine and Public Health, has been awarded $995,343.92. This study is dedicated to unraveling the underlying causes of Long COVID.
"Globally, PASC affects up to 65 million individuals, leading to debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, illness, and cognitive difficulties. Therefore, there is an urgent need to gain a deeper understanding of its origins to innovate better treatment options," asserts Professor Lynn, who also serves as the Director of the Computational and Systems Biology Program at SAHMRI and Scientific Director of the SA Genomics Centre.
Despite various studies identifying numerous immunological and neurological changes linked to PASC, the precise factors triggering Long COVID remain elusive.
Notably, recent research has indicated that metformin—a commonly prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes—could significantly lower the risk of developing Long COVID. The forthcoming project will investigate the changes induced by metformin in patients suffering from Long COVID, contributing to a greater understanding of the condition's fundamental causes.
These promising projects have received funding through the MRFF’s Emerging Priorities and Consumer Driven Research Initiative, specifically under the 2024 Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 Grant Opportunity.
