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Simmaron Research Awarded ME/CFS Catalyst Grant

The Solve ME/CFS Initiative has announced that Simmaron Research is the recipient of its prestigious 2025 ME/CFS Catalyst Award. This grant allows Simmaron to advance its important study titled "Low Dose Rapamycin in ME/CFS, Long-COVID, and Other Infection Associated Chronic Conditions." The goal? To explore the potential benefits of low-dose rapamycin in treating patients with ME/CFS and Long COVID, conditions that currently lack FDA-approved treatments.

Research Breakdown

Simmaron Research, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the understanding and treatment of ME/CFS, intends to utilize the Catalyst Award funding to build upon its existing research. Specifically, the study aims to examine how mTOR inhibition through rapamycin could potentially mitigate symptoms stemming from impaired autophagy in a select group of patients suffering from ME/CFS and other chronic illnesses.

Several leading experts will oversee this ambitious project, including Dr. C. Gunnar Gottschalk, the CEO of Simmaron, and collaborators from prominent institutions. These researchers aim to gather further data, enroll more participants, and lengthen the duration of the pilot study, thereby enriching the quality of the findings.

Importance of the Catalyst Award

The ME/CFS Catalyst Award is more than just funding; it's a critical lifeline meant to keep promising research steady in the tumultuous waves of fluctuating federal support. This award aims to drive scientific endeavors towards significant milestones, whether that means getting a study published or aiding in the transition from lab to clinical application.

Emily Taylor, the President and CEO of Solve M.E., expressed enthusiasm as she commented on the research: "We are proud to support this bold study that stands to transform current limitations in patient care. By leveraging the approved drug rapamycin, we believe we can enhance patient quality of life."

The research team has previously showcased encouraging findings, especially regarding autophagy—a cellular mechanism that clears out damaged components. Past studies funded by Solve M.E. revealed that specific muscle-cell autophagy issues disproportionately affected individuals with ME/CFS, intensifying symptoms like post-exertional malaise.

Collaborations and Further Development

By harnessing the original Ramsay Research Grant funding, the research team has propelled its efforts in developing animal models designed to study both autophagy and post-exertional malaise specifically within the context of ME/CFS. Furthermore, a multi-center clinical trial is already in progress to assess rapamycin's efficacy in alleviating fatigue and cognitive dysfunction.

Significantly, early results from approximately 80 participants have indicated substantial improvements in fatigue levels, sleep disturbances, and orthostatic intolerance following treatment with rapamycin. The ongoing research aims to solidify these findings and expand its participant pool, allowing Simmaron to collect a comprehensive array of samples across varied time points.

Dr. Gottschalk remarked that the funding will facilitate the continuation of participant enrollment and support necessary laboratory processes within the decentralized study framework. "Our core objective is to devise a predictive test that identifies which patients may gain the most benefit from treatments targeting the mTOR pathways, including rapamycin," he said.

Looking to the Future

With a legacy of championing innovative research, Solve M.E. aims not only to fund but also to accelerate the completion of investigative studies into ME/CFS and related conditions. Through programs like the Ramsay Research Grant and the Catalyst Award, Solve M.E. aims to shape the trajectory of treatments and cures for millions who endure these longstanding health issues.

As Solve continues to pave the path toward meaningful treatments, it will also host a webinar featuring key team members from Simmaron Research. This session will provide an in-depth look at the current rapamycin study, scheduled for September 4th. Interested participants can find additional details and register online.

About Solve M.E.

The Solve ME/CFS Initiative is committed to catalyzing essential research aimed at creating effective diagnostics and treatments for ME/CFS, Long COVID, and associated chronic conditions. By collaborating with the scientific and medical communities, as well as patient advocacy groups worldwide, it strives to unlock breakthroughs that can alleviate the suffering of millions affected by these long-haul illnesses. Learn more at SolveME.org.

About Simmaron Research

Based in Incline Village, Nevada, Simmaron Research is focused on developing innovative treatments for ME/CFS and Long COVID. It is centered on uniting patients with medical professionals and researchers to drive vital treatment-focused research. Their ongoing efforts toward discovery and fostering pharmaceutical interest underscore their commitment to improving patient outcomes.