This Week in Virology TWiV Special: Long COVID and ME/CFS with David Tuller
Jun 17, 2025
David Tuller, a renowned public health and journalism expert, dives deep into the complexities of ME/CFS and Long COVID. He analyzes the controversial PACE trial, critiquing its flawed methodologies that reinforce misunderstandings about chronic fatigue syndrome. Tuller discusses the implications of inadequate funding for research and the issues surrounding a recent Norwegian trial claiming positive outcomes. He also highlights the importance of accurate treatment guidelines and the growing awareness of ME/CFS in the wake of Long COVID.
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Impact of RFK Jr. on Research Funding
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s leadership has led to significant funding cuts in infectious diseases research. - This underfunding severely harms public health and pandemic preparedness efforts in the U.S.
PACE Trial's Methodological Flaws
- The PACE trial falsely promoted graded exercise and cognitive behavior therapies as effective treatments for ME/CFS. - Their flawed methodology and outcome manipulation compromised the credibility of the trial's findings.
Flaws in Long COVID Therapy Trials
- Recent long COVID therapy studies mimic PACE trial's unblinded design and subjective endpoints. - These studies often report marginal improvements that are below clinically meaningful thresholds.