AIM ImmunoTech Highlights New Article Finding Links Between COVID-19 and ME/CFS
Recently published article on study findings underscores links between study participants infected with SARS-CoV-2 and the incidence of ME/CFS
The early-onset broad-spectrum antiviral effect of Ampligen has been observed to stimulate strong innate immune response, offering potential therapeutic benefits for people with ME/CFS or Post-COVID chronic fatigue
OCALA, Fla., Jan. 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AIM ImmunoTech Inc. (NYSE American: AIM) (“AIM” or the “Company”) today offered commentary on a new article in the Journal of General Internal Medicine linking COVID-19 to increased risk of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (“ME/CFS”).
The article, titled “Incidence and Prevalence of Post-COVID-19 Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A Report from the Observational RECOVER-Adult Study,” found that among study participants infected with SARS-CoV-2, the incidence of ME/CFS was 15 times higher than pre-pandemic rates. The article’s lead author, Suzanne D. Vernon, PhD, emphasized the following highlights in an accompanying analysis posted to the Bateman Horne center website:
- Of the 4,515 participants who enrolled within 30 days of contracting COVID-19, 73 developed ME/CFS at least six months post-infection.
- In total, 531 participants met ME/CFS criteria, translating to a prevalence of 4.5% among those infected—nearly eight times higher than uninfected participants.
- This prevalence is five times higher than pre-pandemic estimates and underscores the severe and lasting impact of COVID-19 on public health.
- 90% of these post-COVID-19 ME/CFS cases clustered with the most symptomatic and severe cases of Long COVID, highlighting the overlap between these two conditions.
Dr. Vernon stated in her commentary: “This finding reinforces what we at [Bateman Horne Center] have long known: ME/CFS is not only a real and diagnosable condition, but it is also a disabling disease that demands attention, especially in the wake of a global pandemic.”
Ampligen in ME/CFS and Long COVID
This new detailed analysis supports AIM’s scientific and business decision to emphasize the development of its drug Ampligen as a treatment for people suffering from ME/CFS symptoms post-COVID-19. AIM had extensive experience with ME/CFS prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and was able to quickly pivot to research and clinical studies on Long COVID; the RECOVER ME/CFS data supports this move. In September 2024, AIM announced that analysis of the complete clinical patient data from its AMP-518 clinical program supported the Company’s belief in Ampligen as a potential therapeutic for people with the moderate-to-severe Post-COVID condition of fatigue, and that this would therefore likely be the subject population for a planned follow-up clinical trial.
AMP-518 analysis determined that study patients with Long COVID were, on average, able to walk farther in a Six-Minute Walk Test (“6MWT”) when compared to subjects who received a placebo. The 6MWT measured the distance a subject was able to walk in six minutes as a baseline and then again at 13 weeks. A clear signal of significant potential (p
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