Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex and long-term condition that affects multiple systems in the body. It often begins after an acute viral or bacterial infection from which individuals are unable to fully recover. Due to similarities in causes, symptoms and treatment approaches, long COVID, which can develop after infection with the COVID-19 virus, is now recognised as a ‘post-viral fatigue syndrome’. Fibromyalgia also shares significant clinical overlap with ME/CFS. All three conditions may be triggered by infections or genetic factors, and they commonly involve symptoms such as persistent fatigue and chronic pain. Currently, there is no known cure for ME/CFS or long COVID. Treatments aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The same applies to fibromyalgia, where therapy focuses on symptom relief and functional improvement. This rapid horizon scan was conducted to identify repurposed medicines in clinical development for ME/CFS, as well as for related conditions such as long COVID and fibromyalgia, given their shared features and underlying mechanisms.
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