Ursodeoxycholic acid for COVID-19: real-time meta-analysis of 22 studies (Version 20)
, May 2026
Significantly lower risk is seen for progression, recovery, and cases. 13 studies from 12 independent teams in 4 countries show significant benefit.
Meta-analysis using the most serious outcome reported shows 18% [-3‑36%] lower risk, without reaching statistical significance. Results are similar for higher quality and peer-reviewed studies.
Control UDCA
No treatment is 100% effective. Protocols combine safe and effective options with individual risk/benefit analysis and monitoring. Other treatments are more effective. UDCA currently has no early treatment studies. Administration with a meal increases the bioavailability of ursodeoxycholic acid. All data and sources to reproduce this analysis are in the appendix.
Other meta-analyses show significant improvements with ursodeoxycholic acid for mechanical ventilation1, severity1,2, and cases1.
2 meta-analyses show significant improvements with ursodeoxycholic acid for mechanical ventilation1,
severity1,2, and
cases1.
Covid Analysis et al., May 2026, preprint, 1 author.