Lidocaine for Long COVID: Investigation Launched Amidst Promising Results and Ethical Concerns

Recent research suggesting potential benefits of lidocaine in treating Long COVID has reach under scrutiny, prompting an investigation by the Healthcare and Youth Inspectorate (IGJ) in the Netherlands. While initial findings indicated significant symptom improvement in a majority of patients, concerns have been raised regarding the methodology of the study and adherence to medical research regulations.

Promising Initial Results

A study published in December 2025 in eClinicalMedicine, part of Lancet Discovery Science, analyzed data from 103 patients treated with a lidocaine-based protocol at Excellent Care Clinics. The study, conducted in collaboration with researchers from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) and Amsterdam UMC, found that approximately 80 percent of participants reported an improvement in their perceived recovery after 36 weeks of treatment. VU News Patients self-administered the local anesthetic at home while being remotely monitored.

Professor Wendy Scholten-Peeters of VU, a principal investigator in the study, explained that lidocaine possesses anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties, potentially contributing to its observed effects on Long COVID symptoms. VU News

Investigation into Research Practices

The IGJ launched an investigation following reports from Follow the Money regarding potential violations of medical-scientific research regulations by Excellent Care Clinics. Nationalezorggids.nl The clinic treated patients with lidocaine outside of a formal research setting and without prior approval from an independent review committee, a requirement for medical research involving the administration of medication.

The investigation centers on whether Excellent Care Clinics adhered to the necessary protocols for medical-scientific research. skipr.nl

Ethical and Methodological Concerns

Experts have voiced concerns about the study’s methodology, specifically the lack of a placebo control group. Without a control group, it’s impossible to determine whether the observed improvements were due to the lidocaine treatment or the natural course of the illness. skipr.nl The Medicines Bulletin too warned against “false hope,” citing fundamental methodological shortcomings. skipr.nl

The VU has paused further research pending the outcome of the IGJ’s investigation, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring publications adhere to medical-ethical standards. Nationalezorggids.nl

Study Withdrawn

Due to the uncertainties surrounding the study’s execution, researchers from the Vrije Universiteit have retracted their study on lidocaine for post-COVID. Nationalezorggids.nl

Excellent Care Clinics remains confident in the potential of lidocaine as a treatment for Long COVID and plans to conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to further investigate its efficacy. skipr.nl