Long COVID

Long COVID, a debilitating condition affecting an estimated 40 to 50 million Americans, has emerged as a significant public health challenge, potentially surpassing the impact of the initial COVID-19 pandemic. Characterized by persistent symptoms such as cognitive impairment, increased risk of cardiovascular events, and neurological decline, Long COVID is now recognized as a complex vascular disorder driven by endothelial dysfunction. A pivotal article published in The Wall Street Journal on April 15, 2025, titled “Is COVID Rewriting the Rules of Aging? Brain Decline Alarms Doctors,” underscores the alarming scope of this condition, highlighting its potential to accelerate aging and elevate risks of heart attacks, strokes, and memory loss.

Zhittya Genesis Medicine is at the forefront of addressing this unmet medical need by leveraging its expertise in regenerative medicine. Drawing on its success with recombinant human Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 (FGF-1) therapy, which has shown remarkable results in treating conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Heart Disease, and diabetic foot ulcers, Zhittya is investigating FGF-1’s potential to restore vascular health in Long COVID patients. Research from leading sources, including the National Library of Medicine and the British Heart Foundation, identifies endothelial dysfunction as the primary mechanism driving Long COVID’s systemic effects. By promoting therapeutic angiogenesis—the formation of new, functional blood vessels—FGF-1 aims to repair damaged endothelial linings, enhance blood flow, and mitigate the cascade of cardiovascular and neurological complications.

Recognizing the urgent need for effective therapies, Zhittya is actively pursuing preclinical studies to evaluate FGF-1’s efficacy in restoring endothelial function and alleviating Long COVID symptoms. The company is committed to advancing this program toward U.S. FDA Clinical Trials in the coming years, with the goal of qualifying for the FDA’s “Breakthrough Therapy” designation to expedite development and delivery to patients. By targeting the root cause of Long COVID—endothelial dysfunction—Zhittya’s FGF-1 therapy offers hope for millions seeking relief from this pervasive condition.

The WSJ article is attached below, which sparked Zhittya’s interest and research into Long COVID