Long COVID-19 [11C]CPPC Study

This is a Phase 1 study of safety and tolerability of an investigational radiotracer drug called [5-cyano-N-(4-(4-[11C]Methylpiperazin-1-yl)-2-(Piperidin-1-yl)Phenyl)Furan-2-carboxamide] ([11C]CPPC). A radiotracer is a substance that chemically marks certain structures in the body. In this case, [11C]CPPC highlights structures expressing colony stimulating factor receptor (CSF1R), a receptor that is expressed on microglial cells. A safety and tolerability study is looking to see if there are any unanticipated, possibly harmful, effects of the use of the radiotracer in humans. However, ultimately, the investigators would like to know if this drug can be used to make better images of the brain for patients with history of COVID-19 infection, which could help doctors better understand the disease and help take care of patients suffering from Long COVID symptoms. This study will use a radiotracer to look for a chemical receptor which may be affected in patients who report of Long COVID. After receiving the radiotracer, participants' brains will be scanned with a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging machine. Each participant will also undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without contrast, detailed cognitive testing and a neurological exam. This study will assess possible associations between COVID-19 infection, cognitive function, other neurological symptoms, and 11C-CPPC PET neuroimaging in subjects.

Inclusion criteria

• Have the ability to understand the requirements of the study, provide written informed consent, understand and provide written authorization for the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI) [per Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Ruling] and comply with the study procedures.
• Documented history of COVID infection at least 6 - 12 months before enrollment.
• Men and women at least 18 years old.
• Women must have a negative serum pregnancy test and practice an acceptable method of contraception or be of non-childbearing potential (post-menopausal for at least 2 years or who have undergone hysterectomy, oophorectomy or surgical sterilization).
• Geographic accessibility to the study center and the ability to travel to the clinic for study visits.
• Agrees to the visit schedule as outlined in the informed consent.
• Pre-study labs within normal range, or if abnormal, deemed not clinically significant by the site investigator.

Exclusion criteria

• History of recent nosocomial infection.
• History of chronic neurological disorder, such as epilepsy, or structural Central Nervous System (CNS) abnormality such as stroke or arteriovenous malformation.
• History of head trauma with prolonged loss of consciousness (>10 minutes) or any neurological condition including stroke, seizure (excluding childhood febrile seizure), or visible structural abnormality on prior MRI.
• Active or recent (in the past year) substance dependence (drugs-including nicotine, marijuana or alcohol).
• Receipt of any investigational drug, device or biologic within 30 days of administration of study compound.
• Use of anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, or benzodiazepines within 7 days of administration of study compound.
• Any concomitant medical disease or condition limiting the safety to participate including, but not limited to:

• Coagulopathy
• Active infection
• Contraindications to MRI scanning to include pacemakers, metallic implants/prosthesis or prohibitive claustrophobia, etc.
• Contraindications to PET scanning to include pregnancy, etc.
• Any medical condition that in the opinion of the study investigators would constitute a safety risk to the subject.
• Any radiation exposure in the past calendar year that in combination with the radiation exposure from this study would exceed 5 rem.
• Any history of learning disability or special education (due to the potential to affect performance on neuropsychological testing).