Can a calming drug tame the deadly stress of sepsis?

NCT ID NCT07470775

Not yet recruiting Disease control Sponsor: Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether giving the sedative dexmedetomidine early to adults with septic shock can calm their overactive nervous system and improve survival. 168 participants will receive either the drug or a placebo for 48 hours, with close monitoring of heart function, inflammation, and organ health. The goal is to see if this approach reduces organ damage and the need for strong blood pressure medications.

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 that calms the nervous system)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to reduce organ damage and improve survival in septic shock by calming the body's overactive stress response.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small, early-phase trial (168 people) testing a drug already used for sedation, so the benefit may be modest or not confirmed in larger studies. Risks include bradycardia (slow heart rate) and low blood pressure.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

infectious disease with sepsis Sepsis toxic shock syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SEPSIS SEPTIC SHOCK

More trials for these conditions

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