A drug originally developed for celiac disease, larazotide, may offer a breakthrough treatment for children suffering from Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), a rare but serious post-Covid condition. MIS-C can cause high fever, gastrointestinal distress, and cardiac complications.
In a small double-blind clinical trial published in Science Translational Medicine, researchers at Mass General Brigham found that larazotide helped children recover faster, clearing viral particles and easing symptoms more effectively than a placebo. The trial involved 12 children, with treatment administered four times daily over 21 days and follow-up for six months.
Lead researcher Dr. Lael Yonker noted that larazotide strengthens intestinal barriers, preventing SARS-CoV-2 particles from entering the bloodstream — a key factor in MIS-C flare-ups. The drug’s success also opens the door to potential use in treating long Covid.
With current MIS-C treatments offering limited relief and often causing symptom rebound, larazotide’s targeted approach could mark a significant advancement in pediatric post-Covid care.