What scientists discovered about IL-6, and how gut-immune support like SIM01 may help reduce inflammation during viral infections.
The Flu and COVID-19 May Awaken Dormant Cancer Cells in the Lungs
A landmark study published in Nature (Chia, S.B., et al., Jul 30, 2025) has revealed that respiratory infections such as influenza and COVID-19 can trigger dormant breast cancer cells in the lungs to become active again. This finding is especially important for cancer survivors in remission, as it highlights a potential new risk factor for metastasis. [1]
One researcher described the mechanism this way: “Dormant cancer cells are like embers in an old campfire — and a viral infection can act like a gust of wind that reignites the flames.” [2]
In patient data, those with a history of COVID-19 infection showed a higher risk of cancer-related death and increased rates of lung metastasis compared to those without infection. Epidemiologists noted that this level of risk increase is significant and concerning, warranting further study. [3]
A True Story
Mr. KH Chan, Malaysia
“My sister battled breast cancer for many years. She successfully overcame it and was in remission. Then COVID hit, and she got infected. Her condition deteriorated rapidly from then on. Sadly, the breast cancer returned with a vengeance, and she passed away shortly after.”
IL-6 and Why It Matters in Viral Infections
IL-6 (Interleukin-6) is a key regulator of the body’s immune response during infection and inflammation. When cancer develops, some cells can break away from the original tumour and remain hidden in distant tissues— such as, in the lungs. These cells can stay dormant for years after treatment.
Research shows that when a respiratory infection such as influenza or COVID-19 occurs, IL-6 levels in the lungs can rise sharply. This surge in IL-6 may act as a signal that reactivates dormant cancer cells, allowing them to grow again.
In experimental models, viral infection led to a dramatic increase in metastatic activity — up to 100–1,000 times higher within just two weeks of infection [4]. While this is early science, it highlights why controlling inflammation during viral infections is such an important area of research. [5]
Evidence that SIM01 reduces IL-6 in COVID-19 patients (clinical trial)
In a hospital-based, open-label pilot study in Hong Kong, 25 COVID-19 patients received SIM01 for 28 days and were compared with 30 contemporaneous controls. By week 5, the SIM01 group showed significant reductions in plasma IL-6 (along with MCP-1, M-CSF, TNF-α and IL-1RA), whereas controls did not; SIM01 recipients also had faster antibody formation (IgG 88% vs 63.3% by day 16) and a declining nasopharyngeal viral load over time, with metagenomic data indicating restoration of beneficial commensals consistent with improved immune regulation. [6]
These biomarker findings are complemented by a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in post-acute COVID-19 (long COVID) showing that SIM01 improved multiple symptoms and overall recovery versus placebo—supporting clinical relevance in patients, even though IL-6 itself was not the primary endpoint in that RCT. [7]
How SIM01 may work (via SCFAs & gut microbiome)
SIM01 → healthier gut flora → ↑ SCFAs → ↓ inflammation (IL-6).
- Gut–immune link: Around 70% of the immune system is located in the gut. By restoring a healthier diversity of gut flora, SIM01 helps strengthen the gut barrier and reduce “leaky gut,” where bacteria or toxins may otherwise enter the bloodstream.
- SCFA production: SIM01 has been shown to increase short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), important metabolites that:
- Nourish the gut lining,
- Regulate local and systemic immunity,
- Help lower excessive inflammation.
Inflammation modulation: In clinical studies on COVID-19 patients, SIM01 was associated with a reduction in IL-6 and other pro-inflammatory markers. This suggests that part of its benefit may come through microbiome restoration → increased SCFAs → dampened inflammation. [6]
Supporting Your Recovery and Immunity
With flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory infections continuing to circulate, protecting your overall health and immune balance has never been more important.
Clinical studies show that SIM01 can help restore the gut microbiome, increase beneficial SCFA production, and reduce inflammation (including IL-6) in patients with COVID-19. These effects translate into faster recovery and better resilience after viral infections.
By caring for your gut–immune axis, SIM01 offers a clinically tested way to support recovery, reduce inflammation, and strengthen your body’s defenses during challenging times.
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⚠️ Disclaimer
G-NiiB SIM01 is a microbiome-based supplement clinically tested in patients with COVID-19 and other respiratory viral infections. It has been shown to support gut health, reduce inflammation, and aid recovery.
It is not a treatment or cure for cancer and should not replace medical advice or therapy prescribed by a healthcare professional.
References:
[1] Respiratory viral infections awaken metastatic breast cancer cells in lungs | Nature Published: 30 July 2025
[2] Common Viruses May Wake Dormant Breast Cancer Cells, Study Finds : ScienceAlert
[3] Data sourced from UK Biobank and Flatiron Health:
UK Biobank is a UK-based biomedical database of over 500,000 individuals used in large-scale population and genomic research.
Flatiron Health is a US oncology database aggregating real-world clinical data from 2.2 million+ cancer patients across 280+ clinics.
[4] Chia, S. B., et al. (2025). Respiratory viral infections awaken metastatic breast cancer cells in lungs. Nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09332-0
[5] Zhang, L., et al. (2022). Gut microbiota-derived synbiotic formula (SIM01) as a novel adjuvant therapy for COVID-19: An open-label pilot study. J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 37(3), 477–485. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgh.15743
[6] Liu, Q., et al. (2020). The gut–lung axis and its microbial influence on asthma and respiratory health. Frontiers in Microbiology, 11, 291. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2020.00291
[7] Lau, R. I., et al. (2024). A synbiotic preparation (SIM01) for post-acute COVID-19 syndrome in Hong Kong (RECOVERY): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet Infectious Diseases