Researchers at the Vrije Universiteit (VU) in Amsterdam are temporarily withdrawing a study regarding the use of a painkiller to treat long-term coronavirus symptoms. The decision follows growing concerns over whether the investigation followed official regulations.
A commercial clinic in Velsen-Noord claims to have treated more than one hundred post-COVID patients with lidocaine. While this medication has been used for many years to manage pain, an article about its effects appeared in the scientific journal eClinicalMedicine in December. Supported by the VU, the study concluded that lidocaine significantly improves the quality of life for those suffering from post-covid.
The Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (Inspectie Gezondheidszorg en Jeugd) is now investigating whether the clinic violated rules for medical-scientific research. Under these rules, an independent review committee must give prior approval if patients receive treatments that are not part of standard care. It appears this approval was not obtained.
The VU researchers have decided to wait for the inspectorate’s verdict. The university stated that publications should not remain available if there is doubt that the study complies with the required medical-ethical frameworks.
The research has also faced significant criticism regarding its methods. For instance, the study did not include a placebo group. Without a placebo, it is impossible to verify if lidocaine has a genuine effect. The Medicines Bulletin (Geneesmiddelenbulletin) has already warned that the findings might offer false hope to patients.
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