Innovative Coalition Raises $15 Million for Long COVID Treatment Initiatives

$15 Million Fund for Long COVID Treatments

A Promising Step Forward

On September 15, 2026, a significant milestone was achieved in the fight against Long COVID as the PolyBio Research Foundation announced they had successfully raised $15 million for their Long COVID Cure Initiative (LCCI). This pivotal event was co-hosted by Steve and Judy Pagliuca, alongside Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, at The 'Quin House in Boston. The funding marks a major push towards developing effective treatments for Long COVID, which affects millions across the United States.

With over 18 million individuals reported to be living with Long COVID in the country, patients often endure disabling symptoms across various bodily systems. The urgency of addressing this issue is evident, amplified by the struggles faced at Long COVID clinics which are frequently overwhelmed and often require prolonged waiting periods for access to care.

Collaboration for Change

The gathering brought together a diverse coalition of donors, philanthropists, researchers, and biotechnology leaders, all united by a common goal: to advance diagnostics and clinical trials. Among the donor coalition are notable figures such as Todd Park, a co-founder of Devoted Health and former U.S. Chief Technology Officer, and Amy Geng. “Long COVID has impacted our family personally, so we understand that behind every statistic is a person whose life is significantly disrupted,” remarked Steve Pagliuca, highlighting the personal motivations driving these efforts.

Expanding Beyond Long COVID

In addition to focusing on Long COVID, the initiative is also broadening its scope to provide treatments for chronic Lyme disease patients. This simultaneous approach reflects a commitment to tackling chronic health issues associated with various infections.

Governor Healey commended the fundraising success, stating, “Congratulations to everyone—raising $15 million to accelerate the development of treatments for Long COVID is a remarkable achievement.” She applauded the Pagliucas for their leadership, emphasizing that those suffering from Long COVID deserve the effective treatments and support needed.

Research Insights Shared

During the event, experts including Drs. Timothy Henrich and Michael Peluso conducted a fireside chat discussing biological drivers of Long COVID, touching on topics such as persistent viral material in tissues and ongoing immune dysfunction. Dr. Amy Proal, the Research Director at PolyBio, presented the VIPER (Viral Immunopathogenesis and Persistence Repeat Donor Cohort) diagnostic program, which is focused on validating tests that assess viral persistence as well as immune responses in patients.

Furthermore, the creation of a Long COVID clinical trials network, established with the raised funds, is designed to expedite the assessment of promising treatments. This network will concentrate on mechanistic trials that examine changes in patients' underlying biology and evaluate combination treatments.

The Path Ahead

The LCCI aims to not only develop effective treatments but more so to turn innovative scientific discoveries into practical health solutions. This mission to improve the lives of those affected by chronic conditions embodies a collective resilience and determination shared among researchers, doctors, and advocates. As understanding and technology advance, the hope is to significantly alleviate the burden of some of the most challenging long-term health effects stemming from infections.

For additional information on the PolyBio Research Foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.polybio.org. This initiative, underscored by community collective action, seeks to advance our understanding and treatment of both Long COVID and chronic Lyme disease, setting a hopeful agenda for future health care developments.