Sepsis, previously known as blood poisoning, is a complex and serious condition that can be triggered by a simple infection. Sepsis can occur when both simple and complex, everyday infections reach the bloodstream. This can lead to serious tissue and organ damage, and in the worst case, multi-organ failure and death.
Kills more than all cancers combined
En study published in the scientific journal The Lancet In 2020, it is estimated that up to 49 million people are affected and that approximately 11 million die from the disease each year. This makes sepsis a greater cause of death than all cancers combined. Although the number of sepsis cases has decreased by more than 50 percent over the past two decades, the disease still contributes to almost 20 percent of all deaths worldwide.
Sepsis is most often the result of bacterial infections, but can also be triggered by other microorganisms such as viruses, fungi, and protozoa. A variety of infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and abdominal infections, can all lead to sepsis if the patient does not receive proper treatment. Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those suffering from cancer or HIV, or those who have undergone organ transplants, are at higher risk of developing sepsis.
Complicated diagnosis
The symptoms of sepsis can vary considerably, but initially they often include fever and chills, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, confusion or disorientation, and pain or discomfort. As the condition worsens and progresses to severe sepsis or septic shock, the patient may experience decreased urine output, confusion, severe shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, and chest pain.
However, the diagnosis of sepsis can be complicated and an initially diffuse disease picture because the symptoms are similar to many other medical conditions.
Antibiotics standard treatment
In today's medical practice, antibiotics are often the first-line treatment, as they effectively control bacterial infections. However, with the increasing development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and concerns about overuse, there is a growing need for alternative treatments.
Although new antibiotics are being developed that are more effective against drug-resistant bacteria, there is a need to explore ways to use existing antibiotics more selectively and effectively. This requires correct identification of the underlying cause of the disease, which can take time.
It is important to note that antibiotics are not always an effective treatment, especially in cases where the underlying infection is not bacterial. Sepsis can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including viruses and fungi. In such cases, antibiotics are ineffective because they only work on bacteria. In cases of non-bacterial sepsis, alternative treatments such as antiviral or antifungal drugs may be needed.
Patients also need supportive care
In addition to antibiotics, anticoagulants, antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory drugs are used to give more time to identify the right antibiotic if needed. In addition to this, a sepsis patient also needs supportive care to help the organs that are not functioning properly. For example, extra oxygen may be given to improve oxygenation of the blood, or intravenous fluids to improve blood circulation in the body. Dialysis may be necessary if the kidneys are not functioning.
There is great interest in developing new treatments for sepsis, to reduce dependence on antibiotics.
Aptahem targets several key factors
A company active in the development of drugs against sepsis is Swedish AptahemIn the past year in particular, the Malmö-based company has made significant progress with its drug candidate. Apta-1The compound targets several key factors in sepsis, with the goal of reducing inflammation and restoring balance to the immune system. Read more about Apta-1 in the poster the company presented at the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Congress (ISTH 2023) June 24–28 here.
The company recently announced that it has completed a fourth cohort in the ongoing Phase I clinical study with the candidate. The study is divided into two parts: Phase Ia and Phase Ib. Aptahem expects to complete Phase Ia during the summer and continue with Phase Ib, where it will evaluate the effect of Apta-1 on a provoked inflammatory response in healthy volunteers.
Aiming for Phase II in 2024
If everything goes according to plan, the company will ideally initiate a Phase II study by the end of 2024, followed by a registration-based Phase III study.
Aptahem CEO, Mikael Lindstam, has expressed optimism about the continued development of Apta-1. In a previous interview with BioStock, Lindstam emphasized that the recently completed fourth cohort in the Phase I study not only shows that the work is progressing according to plan, but also highlights that interesting effects of Apta-1 on clinical markers have been observed. This has led to expanded analyses to provide a better picture of the clinical development with Apta-1. The company is currently involved in a rights issue that will close on June 28. Read more here.