In recognition of World ME Day, Solve M.E. announced today new funding for two award-winning research studies aimed at accelerating progress toward diagnostics and treatments for ME/CFS and Long Covid.
The projects will expand whole-genome discovery and test a promising low-cost therapy targeting inflammation and energy dysfunction—key steps toward biomarkers and clinical trials.
The Solve ME/CFS Catalyst Award-Winning Studies:
- “Mitochondrial stabilizer IVO-21 as therapy for ME/CFS”
Dr. Jay H. Chung (National Institutes of Health) is testing a low-cost pill medication called IVO in preclinical mouse models to see if it boosts cellular energy and reduces inflammation—mechanisms believed to drive symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog.
Dr. Chung’s study could pave the way for a safe, accessible treatment that addresses the root causes of this complex disease.
- “Sequence ME & Long Covid”
The DecodeME Management Team (Prof. Chris Ponting, Sonya Chowdhury, and Andy Devereux-Cooke) is expanding a major genetic study by using whole genome sequencing to analyze all 3 billion genetic positions in participants, providing 3,000x more data than before.
Driven by patient needs and lived experience, the study could reveal many more genes, gene-regulation elements, and biological pathways that affect ME/CFS risk, advance efforts to identify new biomarkers for disease subtypes, and lead to new treatments.
Solve M.E. President and CEO Emily Taylor noted, “These Catalyst Award-winning studies are designed to bridge the gap between research and clinical trials, helping scientists move closer to testing new therapies in people. Solve’s support of these projects reflects our passionate commitment to patient-driven research, shaped by the priorities and real-life experiences of those living with these devastating illnesses.”
Learn more about the Solve ME/CFS Catalyst Award program here.
Solve will also host the new honorees for free educational webinars in which they will discuss their work.
“A Safe, Accessible Treatment for ME/CFS? The Mitochondrial Stabilizer IVO-21 Study” with Dr. Jay H. Chung
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
3:00-4:00 pm PT / 6:00-7:00 pm ET
Register here.
“Sequence ME & Long Covid: The Search for ME/CFS and Long Covid Biomarkers and Subtypes” with the Decode ME Management Team
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
11:00 am-12:00 pm PT / 2:00 pm-3:00 pm ET
Register here.