We are very pleased to share that Dr. Christopher Armstrong and his team at OMF’s Melbourne ME/CFS Collaboration have been awarded nearly $1 million ($999,977.50) through the Australian government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) for the project Energy inefficiency in Long COVID and ME/CFS.
These funds were specifically put forth by the government for research associated with COVID-19, including a special designation for cases of ME/CFS with a known infectious trigger.
Project Summary
This study investigates why some people do not return back to good health and instead remain severely ill, fatigued, unable to return to work or school due to a multitude of life-altering symptoms long after COVID-19 or other infections. Known as Long COVID and ME/CFS, these conditions are difficult to diagnose and treat.
The research examines how infection can affect energy production and the body’s response to physical stress by measuring blood flow, metabolism, and cellular health. Wearable devices and low-burden, at-home sampling will track recovery after exertion. The aim is to identify the biological factors that help explain both the wide variation in patient experience and the symptoms these conditions share.
Led by Dr. Chris Armstrong, the project brings together Australian and international collaborators across the University of Melbourne, La Trobe University, Monash University, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, and global partners including PrecisionLife.