Open clinical trials · ME/CFS

Recruiting ME/CFS clinical trials

Updated October 2026 · 26 trials open to enrolment on ClinicalTrials.gov

Last updated 07 October 2026 from ClinicalTrials.gov. Trial statuses are refreshed automatically; check the registry record for the latest status and contact details.

26 open trials21 recruiting4 not yet recruiting1 enrolling by invitation146 total ME/CFS trials tracked

This page lists every interventional study for myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) that ClinicalTrials.gov currently shows as recruiting, not yet recruiting or enrolling by invitation. It is rebuilt automatically from the registry so it stays current without manual curation.

Of 26 open trials, 21 are actively recruiting, 4 are registered but not yet open, and 1 enrol by invitation only. 9 are phased drug or biologic studies; the rest are behavioural, rehabilitation, device or other non-drug interventions, which the registry labels "phase not applicable". Frequently tested interventions right now include Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN), Lingzhi Capsule, Thermal Pain Stimulation, Physical Effort Stimulation, Dynamic Neural Retraining System, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Processing Speed Training, In-Session Instrumental Activities Of Daily Living Training.

Looking for trials that have finished? See the complete ME/CFS trial list (146 trials including completed and terminated studies), or use the interactive trial finder to filter by agent, phase, sponsor and status.

How to read this list. Trials are grouped first by recruitment status, then by phase (later phases first). Each card shows the registry ID, sponsor, intervention(s) tested, planned start and primary-completion dates and target enrollment, plus a short summary trimmed from the registry description. Our extract does not include site locations or eligibility criteria, so open the record to see where a study enrols, who qualifies and whom to contact.
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Not medical advice. This page is an automatically compiled index of entries on ClinicalTrials.gov. Listing here is not an endorsement of any trial, sponsor or treatment, and trial status can change between our refreshes. Always confirm details on ClinicalTrials.gov and discuss participation with your own clinician.

Recruiting (21)

Actively enrolling. Contact details and sites are on the ClinicalTrials.gov record.

Phase 2 (4)

RecruitingPhase 2 NCT06739720
Sponsor: The University of Hong Kong (Academic / non-profit / other)
Intervention(s): Lingzhi Capsule
Start: Jan 2025  |  Primary completion: Jan 2026  |  Enrollment: 130 (estimated)
Record last updated: Sep 2026

The goal of this clinical trial is to test if a Lingzhi supplement (CP003) helps people with chronic fatigue or post-COVID fatigue feel better. It will also check if the supplement is safe to use. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the Lingzhi supplement reduce fatigue symptoms?

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
RecruitingPhase 2 NCT06366724
Sponsor: Brigham and Women's Hospital (Academic / non-profit / other)
Start: Sep 2024  |  Primary completion: Sep 2026  |  Enrollment: 160 (estimated)
Record last updated: Oct 2025

The LIFT will be conducted at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) of Harvard Medical School, focusing on the effect of Pyridostigmine (Mestinon) and Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) in subjects aged 18-70 meeting the Canadian consensus criteria (CCC) for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) as well as having specifically Orthostatic Intolerance (OI).

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
RecruitingPhase 2 NCT06952413
Sponsor: National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Japan (Academic / non-profit / other)
Intervention(s): Rituximab
Start: Apr 2025  |  Primary completion: Sep 2026  |  Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
Record last updated: Apr 2025

The efficacy and safety of rituximab on ME/CFS symptoms after administration to patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome will be compared in an exploratory, placebo-controlled, double-blind fashion.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
RecruitingPhase 2 NCT06211062
Sponsor: Nova Southeastern University (Academic / non-profit / other)
Intervention(s): Floradapt Intensive Gi
Start: Dec 2022  |  Primary completion: Feb 2026  |  Enrollment: 100 (estimated)
Record last updated: Mar 2025

This clinical study aims to evaluate the use of i3.1 probiotic in participants who meet the Institute of Medicine (Canadian Consensus Criteria) case definition for ME/CFS and who may or may not be diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Phase 1 (2)

RecruitingPhase 1 NCT03759522
Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham (Academic / non-profit / other)
Intervention(s): Dpa-714 Pet/Mri
Start: Feb 2019  |  Primary completion: Apr 2028  |  Enrollment: 120 (estimated)
Record last updated: Jun 2026

The primary objective of this study is to measure the concentration and the regional brain distribution of activated brain microglia/macrophages using the PET radiopharmaceutical \[F-18\]DPA-714 in individuals with chronic pain and fatigue suspected to be associated with neuroinflammation.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
RecruitingPhase 1 NCT06511050
Sponsor: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (Academic / non-profit / other)
Intervention(s): Lumbrokinase
Start: Oct 2024  |  Primary completion: Dec 2026  |  Enrollment: 120 (estimated)
Record last updated: Mar 2026

This will be a pilot multi-arm clinical trial investigating the feasibility of Lumbrokinase (LK) as an intervention in three clinical cohorts: * Long Covid (LC) * Post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) * Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Early Phase 1 (1)

RecruitingEarly Phase 1 NCT06472622
Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) (NIH)
Intervention(s): Thermal Pain Stimulation, Physical Effort Stimulation
Start: Apr 2025  |  Primary completion: Jun 2034  |  Enrollment: 47 (estimated)
Record last updated: Sep 2026

The way the brain processes rewards and punishments may play a role in some disorders of the nervous system. People with chronic overlapping pain conditions (such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome \[ME/CFS\]) may have heightened responses to unpleasant, punishing sensations.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Phase not applicable (14)

RecruitingPhase not applicable NCT06933173
Sponsor: University of Alberta (Academic / non-profit / other)
Intervention(s): Dynamic Neural Retraining System
Start: Jul 2025  |  Primary completion: Dec 2027  |  Enrollment: 200 (estimated)
Record last updated: Sep 2026

We are studying the effect of a mind-body treatment for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) with or without Long COVID (LC). Our team recognizes that ME/CFS and Long COVID are serious, debilitating, biomedical conditions. ME/CFS can affect many different parts of the body, such as the nervous system, immune system, and metabolism.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
RecruitingPhase not applicable NCT07621068
Sponsor: Assaf-Harofeh Medical Center (Other government)
Start: Jul 2026  |  Primary completion: Jun 2027  |  Enrollment: 74 (estimated)
Record last updated: Aug 2026

This study evaluates the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in patients with mild to moderate CFS/ME. Participants will undergo 60 HBOT sessions over 3 months with a 3-month follow-up, including physical, cognitive, imaging, and laboratory assessments.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
RecruitingPhase not applicable NCT07523113
Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham (Academic / non-profit / other)
Intervention(s): Processing Speed Training, In-Session Instrumental Activities Of Daily Living Training, Transfer Package, Follow Up Phone Calls, Trans-Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation: High Intensity, In-Session Brain Health Training, Reaction Time Training, Trans-Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Low Intensity
Start: Jun 2026  |  Primary completion: Jun 2027  |  Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
Record last updated: Aug 2026

The purpose of this study is to compare two approaches to cognitive rehabilitation in adults with post-viral cognitive syndrome, which resulted in brain fog. All participants will be screened for eligibility prior to participation. Most of the procedures will take place over a phone call or secure telehealth platform (i.e., Zoom).

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
RecruitingPhase not applicable NCT07753122
Sponsor: Fred Friedberg (Academic / non-profit / other)
Intervention(s): Molecular Hydrogen Produced By A Metallic Magnesium Tablet, Consumed 3X A Day Dissolved In Water. Treatment Duration Is 16 Weeks.
Start: Aug 2026  |  Primary completion: Jul 2027  |  Enrollment: 80 (estimated)
Record last updated: Aug 2026

This is a 16-week controlled treatment trial of an over-the -counter supplement, hydrogen water, for individuals with ME/CFS patients. An active treatment condition will be compared to a placebo-control condition. The study will also seek confirmation of heart rate variability (HRV) as a biomarker, that is, as a predictor of improvement vs. non-improvement to be assessed at treatment termination.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
RecruitingPhase not applicable NCT07546539
Sponsor: University of Lahore (Academic / non-profit / other)
Intervention(s): Photobiomodulation
Start: Jun 2026  |  Primary completion: Jul 2026  |  Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
Record last updated: Jun 2026

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether photobiomodulation therapy (low-level laser therapy) can reduce fatigue and improve quality of life in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The study will include adults aged 18-60 years diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
RecruitingPhase not applicable NCT07491315
Sponsor: Hôpital Européen Marseille (Academic / non-profit / other)
Intervention(s): Exercise Test On Ergocycle, Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Start: Jun 2025  |  Primary completion: Dec 2026  |  Enrollment: 80 (estimated)
Record last updated: Jun 2026

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a disease characterized by persistent and unexplained fatigue associated with diffuse pain, sleep disorders, neurocognitive and autonomic symptoms, musculoskeletal manifestations and digestive symptoms.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
RecruitingPhase not applicable NCT06170645
Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne (Academic / non-profit / other)
Intervention(s): Apa Program, Active Transcutaneous Vns
Start: Oct 2024  |  Primary completion: Feb 2028  |  Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
Record last updated: May 2026

Chronic fatigue is enhanced by adapted physical activity (APA) programs. Patients consulting on St Etienne hospital and suffering from fibromyalgia and long Covid benefit from a 4-6 week APA program, with 2 sessions per week. While most patients are improved by these exercise-training programs, for some the benefits remain very modest, and patients describe persistent fatigue.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
RecruitingPhase not applicable NCT07242573
Sponsor: National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Poland (Research network)
Intervention(s): Physical Training Program, Nesa X-Signal, Conventional Physiotherapy
Start: Nov 2025  |  Primary completion: Feb 2027  |  Enrollment: 75 (estimated)
Record last updated: Feb 2026

Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a chronic, multifactorial syndrome characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive disturbances.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
RecruitingPhase not applicable NCT07352254
Sponsor: Hannover Medical School (Academic / non-profit / other)
Intervention(s): Online Visit
Start: Jan 2026  |  Primary completion: Oct 2028  |  Enrollment: 100 (estimated)
Record last updated: Jan 2026

The significance of the Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS) has been widely acknowledged. Various efforts are made to find out about the pathomechanisms behind PCS and to establish therapies.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
RecruitingPhase not applicable NCT05236465
Sponsor: Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Academic / non-profit / other)
Intervention(s): A 3-Day Course, Waiting List
Start: Mar 2022  |  Primary completion: Jan 2027  |  Enrollment: 100 (estimated)
Record last updated: Nov 2025

Chronic fatigue syndrome/Myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) can be a serious and disabling condition with a heavy symptom burden and low function. Work disability is common, and social life dramatically affected. CFS/ME is a challenging health problem as well as a societal problem.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
RecruitingPhase not applicable NCT07009691
Sponsor: Stony Brook University (Academic / non-profit / other)
Intervention(s): Hydrogen Water Which Is Prepared From An Otc Supplement.
Start: Jun 2025  |  Primary completion: May 2026  |  Enrollment: 50 (estimated)
Record last updated: Jun 2025

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the OTC supplement, hydrogen water, works to treat the fatigue-related symptoms and functional limitations in adults with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). It will also examine if heart rate variability (HRV) can be used to predict who will benefit from the hydrogen water treatment.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
RecruitingPhase not applicable NCT03773003
Sponsor: Universität des Saarlandes (Academic / non-profit / other)
Intervention(s): Probiotics
Start: Jul 2021  |  Primary completion: Jul 2025  |  Enrollment: 150 (estimated)
Record last updated: May 2025

Research for Pathophysiology of Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) by Lipidomics, Metabolomics, Intestinal and Peritoneal Microbiome Analysis and Exome Analysis and Investigation of a Possible Benefit of Probiotics.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
RecruitingPhase not applicable NCT05741112
Sponsor: Scripps Translational Science Institute (Academic / non-profit / other)
Intervention(s): Wearable Device
Start: Nov 2023  |  Primary completion: Dec 2025  |  Enrollment: 100500 (estimated)
Record last updated: May 2025

To further characterize Long COVID-19 by collecting data from individuals who already own wearable devices or are provided with a wearable device along with basic and enhanced educational materials to determine if both can improve Long COVID-19 symptom management and post-exertional malaise.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
RecruitingPhase not applicable NCT05168124
Sponsor: Sarah Schiebler (Academic / non-profit / other)
Intervention(s): Acceptance Commitment Therapy For Chronic Fatigue, Micro Breaks In Everyday Life For Chronic Fatigue
Start: Aug 2023  |  Primary completion: Dec 2025  |  Enrollment: 90 (estimated)
Record last updated: Dec 2024

Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a distinct disease entity with an estimated prevalence of 0.3-0.7% and more common in women (3:1 ratio). It can be diagnosed according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2015 consensus definition using 3 major criteria and one of 2 minor criteria. Diagnosis requires that the patient have the following three symptoms: 1.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Not yet recruiting (4)

Registered but not yet open. The planned start date is an estimate; some sponsors accept expressions of interest early.

Phase 2 (2)

Not yet recruitingPhase 2 NCT07285473
Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham (Academic / non-profit / other)
Intervention(s): Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
Start: Oct 2026  |  Primary completion: Apr 2028  |  Enrollment: 75 (estimated)
Record last updated: Aug 2026

This exploratory clinical trial tests low-dose naltrexone (LDN) for the treatment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). A remote trial approach is used, with eligibility open to the state of Alabama.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
Not yet recruitingPhase 2 NCT07724834
Sponsor: Charite University, Berlin, Germany (Academic / non-profit / other)
Intervention(s): Inebilizumab
Start: Dec 2026  |  Primary completion: Feb 2029  |  Enrollment: 38 (estimated)
Record last updated: Jul 2026

Post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS) are long-lasting health problems that can develop after an infection. They include post-COVID-19 syndrome and similar illnesses following other infections. Some people with PAIS develop myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a serious and disabling illness that can greatly limit everyday activities.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Phase not applicable (2)

Not yet recruitingPhase not applicable NCT07317401
Sponsor: University of Aarhus (Academic / non-profit / other)
Intervention(s): Intermittent Hypoxia-Hyperoxia Treatment
Start: Jun 2026  |  Primary completion: Jun 2027  |  Enrollment: 104 (estimated)
Record last updated: May 2026

This study is testing a new treatment for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and long-term symptoms after COVID-19. Both conditions cause extreme fatigue, muscle pain, "brain fog," and trouble concentrating, which often get worse after physical or mental activity. Currently, no effective treatments are available.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
Not yet recruitingPhase not applicable NCT07357688
Sponsor: Xi Wu (Academic / non-profit / other)
Intervention(s): Acupuncture
Start: May 2026  |  Primary completion: Dec 2027  |  Enrollment: 99 (estimated)
Record last updated: Jan 2026

Background of study: Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a common sequela after SARS-CoV-2 infection(COVID-19). Cognitive dysfunction is one of the most common debilitating symptoms in ME/CFS. Currently, standardized therapy for ME/CFS has not been established.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Enrolling by invitation (1)

Participants are invited from a pre-selected group; the public generally cannot volunteer.

Phase not applicable (1)

Enrolling by invitationPhase not applicable NCT05863897
Sponsor: Universiteit Leiden (Academic / non-profit / other)
Intervention(s): E-Cograt
Start: Sep 2023  |  Primary completion: Sep 2026  |  Enrollment: 16 (estimated)
Record last updated: Apr 2025

Fatigue is a common, persistent consequence of acquired brain injury (ABI). Research into treatments that may alleviate post-ABI fatigue is been limited. Pharmacological treatment (methylphenidate) has shown the greatest scientific effects, but is complicated because the risk of adverse side effects and its potential for abuse.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Frequently asked questions

How do I join a clinical trial?

Open the trial's ClinicalTrials.gov record (the "View on ClinicalTrials.gov" button), read the Eligibility Criteria and Contacts and Locations sections, and contact the study team listed there. Trials only enrol at the sites shown in the record, so check whether a site is near you or whether the study is remote/decentralised. Your own clinician can help you judge whether a trial is a sensible option and may need to provide medical records.

What do the trial phases mean?

Early Phase 1 / Phase 1 studies test safety and dosing in a small group. Phase 2 studies look for a signal of benefit in a larger group and keep checking safety. Phase 3 studies are large confirmatory trials designed to show whether a treatment works well enough for approval. Phase 4 studies follow approved treatments after they reach the market. "Phase not applicable" is used by the registry for behavioural, device, rehabilitation and other non-drug interventions.

What is the difference between recruiting, not yet recruiting and enrolling by invitation?

Recruiting means the study is actively enrolling participants. Not yet recruiting means the study is registered but has not opened enrolment; you can often register interest with the contact listed. Enrolling by invitation means participants are selected from a pre-defined group (for example an existing cohort) and the public generally cannot volunteer.

Does the Open Source Medicine Foundation run these trials?

No. OSMF does not sponsor, run or recruit for any trial on this page. We compile public registry entries from ClinicalTrials.gov so patients and clinicians can find them in one place. For questions about a specific study, contact the sponsor or study team listed on its ClinicalTrials.gov record.

How often is this list updated?

The underlying dataset is rebuilt automatically from the ClinicalTrials.gov API and these pages are regenerated from it. The date at the top of the page is the last successful refresh. Registry entries can lag the real-world status of a study, so a trial shown as recruiting may already be full.

Why is a trial I know about missing?

Our search targets interventional studies whose registered conditions map to Long COVID / PASC, ME/CFS or overlapping post-viral syndromes. Observational studies, trials registered only on non-US registries (EU CTR, ISRCTN, ANZCTR, etc.), and trials whose condition terms did not match our mapping are not included. The full ClinicalTrials.gov search is always more complete than any curated index.

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Cite this page
Open Source Medicine Foundation. Recruiting ME/CFS clinical trials (updated October 2026). Research Tracker, 07 October 2026. https://research.opensourcemed.info/trials/me-cfs-recruiting.html
Underlying dataset (JSON, CC BY 4.0): https://research.opensourcemed.info/data/clinical_trials/clinical_trials_current.json. Source records: ClinicalTrials.gov.

Related: ME/CFS research hub · trials by therapeutic agent · all ME/CFS trials · interactive trial finder.