Can a sedative keep patients off ventilators? major trial underway

NCT ID NCT06259565

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether the sedative dexmedetomidine can help critically ill patients tolerate non-invasive ventilation (a mask that helps breathing) and avoid needing a breathing tube. About 846 adults with acute respiratory failure will receive either the drug or a placebo. The goal is to see if the drug reduces deaths or the need for intubation.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Dexmedetomidine (a sedative drug)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a safe way to sedate patients on non-invasive ventilation, reducing the need for intubation and invasive breathing machines.
What could go wrong: This is a large Phase 3 trial, but sedation carries risks like respiratory depression or airway loss. The drug may not reduce failure rates compared to placebo.

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

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

acute respiratory failure

As listed by the trial registrant

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

NON INVASIVE VENTILATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Brockville General Hospital
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Brockville, Ontario, K6V 1S8, Canada
Fraser Health Authority
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Surrey, British Columbia, V3T 0H1, Canada
Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Hamilton, Ontario, L8V 1C3, Canada
North York General Hospital
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Toronto, Ontario, M2K 1E1, Canada
Sinai Health System
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada
St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
RECRUITING

Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 4A6, Canada

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