Ferring Pharmaceuticals recently announced it will begin Phase 2b/3 trials of Selepressin, a treatment intended to treat septic shock, at 50 to 60 sites between Europe and the United States, enrolling 1,800 patients to take place in the trials.
“Despite progress in identifying and treating septic shock, its impact upon patients and their families remains high, as does the burden it places on health care systems,” Executive VP and Chief Scientific Officer at Ferring Per Falk said. “Ferring is investigating whether selepressin can provide an improved treatment option for patients suffering from septic shock.”
Septic shock can be life threatening, a complication of an infection that affects millions annually worldwide. Selepressin is a selective vasopressin type 1a receptor agonist that helps treat septic shock by increasing arterial pressure. It has the potential to reduce pulmonary oedema and vascular leakage.
“SEPSIS-ACT has the potential to be a landmark trial that could change the way patients are treated in the ICU,” Chair of the Department of Critical Care Medicine and Director of Clinical Research, Investigation and Systems Modeling of Acute Illnesses Center at the University of Pittsburgh Dr. Derek Angus said. “It stands out for its innovative adaptive design, including a newly defined primary endpoint.”
