Solve M.E. is proud to support two pioneering studies through our latest round of ME/CFS Catalyst Awards, a focused initiative to support promising research projects that have already made significant strides in advancing our understanding of ME/CFS, Long Covid, and associated conditions, and are poised to deliver meaningful results with just a bit more support.
“Effect of Semaglutide on ME/CFS Symptoms”
Led by Professor Carmen Scheibenbogen (Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité), the study will evaluate whether semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for people with ME/CFS who are receiving treatment for being overweight. The research will also try to identify biomarkers to predict which patients may benefit most and ensure patient involvement throughout the project.
“Discovery of Target Antigens for Dysfunctional T Cells in ME/CFS and Long COVID”
The study led by Liisa Selin, MD, PhD, (Professor, Dept of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School), Roshan Kumar, PhD (Executive Director, Head of Translational Medicine at HiFiBiO Therapeutics), and Ayano Kohlgruber, PhD (Assistant Professor at Boston Children’s Hospital) aims to identify the specific proteins that trigger dysfunctional immune responses in ME/CFS and Long Covid, paving the way for new diagnostic tools and targeted treatments.
Both of these Catalyst Award-winning studies directly address urgent patient needs. By exploring new treatment options and uncovering the biological drivers of ME/CFS and Long Covid, the research aims to improve diagnosis, personalize therapies, and accelerate the path to effective treatments. Both projects exemplify strong patient engagement, ensuring that lived experience shapes research priorities and outcomes.
“Solve M.E. is committed to putting patients at the center of scientific progress. These Catalyst Award-winning studies not only push the boundaries of ME/CFS research but also ensure that patient voices guide every step. We believe these projects will bring us closer to answers, hope, and better lives for people affected by ME/CFS and Long Covid,” said Emily Taylor, President and CEO at Solve M.E.
Dr. Scheibenbogen noted, “I would like to sincerely thank Solve M.E. for their funding, which enables us to investigate the potential effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on ME/CFS symptoms.”
Dr. Selin told us, “This award is crucial to our continuing our research into the immunopathogensis of ME/CFS and making a giant step to identify the potential viruses or autoantigens that drive the disease.”
In April, Solve will host Dr. Scheibenbogen and Drs. Selin, Kohlgruber, and Kumar for free educational webinars to discuss their Catalyst Award-winning studies.
Sign up for “GLP-1 Drugs to Reduce Symptoms in People with ME/CFS and Identify Disease Subgroups” with Dr. Scheibenbogen on April 16 here.
Sign up for “The Discovery of Target Antigens for Dysfunctional T Cells in ME/CFS and Long COVID“ with Drs. Selin, Kohlgruber, and Kumar on April 28 here.
Professor Scheibenbogen and Dr. Selin are alumni of Solve’s Ramsay Research Grant Program, an open, peer-reviewed competition for grants to support pilot studies and data analysis. Professor Scheibenbogen received two Ramsay Grants, in 2016 for “Autoimmune Signature in ME/CFS,” and in 2017 for “Metabolic Changes in T Cells & Monocytes.” In 2022, she received a $12 million grant (€10 million) in funding from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research for the clinical trial––research platform NKSG––to develop treatment for people with ME/CFS or Long Covid.
Dr. Selin and Dr. Anna Gil won a Ramsay Award in 2019 for their study, “Altered T cells in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).” In 2021, Selin and Gil were awarded a $2.5 million R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to build upon work on their Solve-funded study, and, in 2022, they were one of six Solve Ramsay Grant research teams to receive nearly $5 million in biomedical research awards for Long Covid and associated conditions–including ME/CFS.
The Ramsay Program has been successful in attracting new scientists to the field of ME/CFS, providing much-needed funding for researchers to engage with the science of the disease and build pilot data. With the follow-on funding successes of Scheibenbogen, Selin, and others, the Ramsay Research Grant Program now boasts an incredible 57x return on investment.
These projects reflect Solve M.E.’s commitment to patient-centered, translational research—turning biological discovery into real-world impact. Because of people like you, we are accelerating answers, advancing hope, and bringing better lives within reach for this community.
If you’d like to help grow our Catalyst Awards and other research programs, make a gift to Solve today.