Acupuncture needles vs. sepsis: a bold new trial

NCT ID NCT06344819

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of California, Irvine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 22, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether real acupuncture can improve outcomes for hospitalized sepsis patients compared to a sham (fake) version. Researchers will enroll 78 adults at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to see if such a study is feasible. The goal is to gather initial data on recruitment and treatment completion, not yet to prove acupuncture works.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Acupuncture
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to help sepsis patients recover better.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial focused on feasibility, not proof of effectiveness. Results may not show clear benefit, and the sham control may reduce any perceived effect.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for SEPSIS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

infectious disease with sepsis Sepsis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SEPSIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, University of California, Irvine
RECRUITING

Irvine, California, 92617, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.