Groundbreaking antibody therapy for sepsis lung failure enters human trials

A new clinical trial for an antibody therapy targeting sepsis-induced lung failure has launched at the University of Virginia. The treatment, called hCitH3-mAb, aims to tackle the root cause of immune dysfunction rather than just easing symptoms. Researchers hope it will provide a much-needed option for patients with few existing therapies.

The therapy was developed after years of lab work and successful preclinical tests. It works by neutralising CitH3, a molecule that triggers dangerous immune overreactions and organ failure in sepsis patients. Sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remain leading causes of death in intensive care units, with limited treatment choices available.

The trial’s first phase (Phase 1a) will be led by Dr. Alpha Fowler of Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Imre Noth of UVA will co-lead the later Phase 2a study. The project has also gained support from the Virginia Catalyst Program, which helped fund the work. Additionally, UVA’s Manning Institute is involved, focusing on turning research breakthroughs into real-world treatments.

HTIC, a UVA spin-off company, has partnered with SparX Biopharmaceutical Corp. for manufacturing. This collaboration aims to speed up development and bring the therapy closer to clinical use.

The trial marks a key step in addressing a critical gap in sepsis and ARDS treatment. If successful, hCitH3-mAb could offer a new way to prevent immune-driven organ damage in severely ill patients. Further updates will depend on the results of the ongoing studies.