Research & development
R&D Programme Long COVID / Post-vaccination Complaints
A research programme by JorClinic focused on complex, long-term health complaints. We are developing analysis technology that maps multiple biological parameters, with the aim of gaining more insight into the processes that may play a role.
The technology
Building on our gut microbiome analysis
JorClinic has developed its own innovative analysis technology, based on the same technological principles as the gut microbiome analysis: simultaneously mapping a large number of biological signals and carefully interpreting how they relate to each other.
This technology has been developed to measure multiple biological parameters that may be involved in complex, long-term health complaints, including Long COVID and complaints that arose after vaccination. The analysis is aimed at gaining more insight into biological processes and possible mechanisms — not at proving, excluding or treating a condition.
What is being researched?
Biological parameters within the programme
This programme includes research into, among other things, the following groups of parameters. They are studied because there are scientific indications that they may play a role in long-term complaints; their significance for the individual patient is the subject of ongoing research.
Immune-related factors
Signals that may say something about the activity and balance of the immune system. This is about mapping patterns, not making a diagnosis.
Mitochondrial parameters
Parameters related to cellular energy metabolism. These are studied because disturbances here are described in the literature in connection with long-term fatigue complaints.
Specific biological markers
Including factors related to spike-protein related processes. This component is explicitly in the research phase and is not used as a diagnostic criterion.
Transparency
What is available and what is still in development?
Existing analysis capabilities
The gut microbiome analysis is the validated basis of our approach: the measurement method, the reporting and the medical explanation by the doctor are part of our regular offering.
In research and development
The expanded parameters within this R&D programme — immune-related factors, mitochondrial parameters and specific biological markers — are in the research and validation phase. They are not presented as a diagnostic test and do not lead to statements about the cause or treatment of Long COVID or post-vaccination complaints.
Evidence
Scientific evidence
Here we publish our own scientific publications, articles and validation studies. For each publication we show the authors, the journal, the year, a DOI link, a short summary and the main findings.
Molecular and Immunological Signatures of Long COVID: Implications for Diagnosis and Personalized Treatment Strategies
Jorine KN Hammink, Tim R van Elst · medRxiv (openRxiv) · 2025 · Preprint
This preprint investigates molecular and immunological mechanisms that may play a role in Long COVID. In 72 participants (31 of whom had suspected Long COVID based on defined symptoms), the viral nucleocapsid (N) and spike (S) genes, their mRNA expression, associated immunoglobulins (IgG) and immune-regulating IDO-2 activity were measured in blood. The aim was to gain more insight into the biological processes behind persistent complaints and to explore whether a combination of markers could contribute to a better understanding of these complaints.
- Viral genetic material was found in both symptomatic and asymptomatic participants, underlining the complexity of the findings.
- Immunoglobulin levels differed between groups, with symptomatic men showing lower anti-Spike IgG levels than women — a possible indication of sex differences in immune response.
- In this small group, the mRNA spike data alone were insufficient to predict symptoms; predictive value increased when immunoglobulins and inflammatory markers were added.
- The study suggests that a multivariable approach — combining mRNA and genomic spike data with inflammatory markers and demographic factors — may form a basis for a better understanding of persistent complaints.
R&D
R&D and future developments
JorClinic continues to develop this technology and is exploring which additional biological insights can contribute to a better understanding of complex health questions. Every expansion only becomes part of the reporting once the supporting evidence is sufficient.
Scientific research
Literature review, structured data collection and hypothesis testing form the starting point for every expansion of the analysis.
Technological development
The analysis method is expanded step by step, with attention to reproducibility, measurement accuracy and the quality of the underlying data.
Collaboration with experts
JorClinic collaborates with researchers, laboratories and medical specialists to have findings critically reviewed.
Continuous evaluation
New insights from the scientific literature are periodically evaluated and, where appropriate, incorporated into the analysis and reporting.
Collaborate or invest
Collaborate or invest in this programme
JorClinic welcomes collaboration with researchers, medical professionals, academic institutions and investors interested in the further development of innovative diagnostic technologies within the field of personal health analysis.
Interested in collaborating or investing in this programme? Please get in touch.
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