Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Design of Cecal Ligation and Puncture and Intranasal Infection Dual Model of Sepsis-Induced Immunosuppression
Published on: June 15, 2019
Emerging drugs in sepsis
Marc Leone1, Julien Textoris, Fabrice Michel
1Service d'anesthésie et de réanimation, Hôpital Nord, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille, Université de la Méditerranée, Chemin des Bourrely, 13915 Marseille Cedex 20, France. marc.leone@ap-hm.fr
Importance Of The Field:
Sepsis remains a major cause of death in intensive care units. Despite an intense research, a new drug that is effective in reducing mortality in sepsis is still awaited.
Areas Covered In This Review:
The literature was analyzed with Pubmed() during the 2008 - 2009 period. If required, seminal articles published before 2008 were cited. Clinical trials focusing on 'sepsis' were first assessed. Next, relevant experimental data in this field were reported.
What The Reader Will Gain:
The goal of the review is to determine the role for new licensed antibiotics, to give an insight into the conflict on adjuvant therapies and to disclose new experimental concepts.
Take Home Message:
New licensed antibiotics will offer the opportunity to refine the treatment choices. Direct hemoperfusion using polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column may be an option in sepsis due to Gram-negative bacilli. Among non-antibiotic drugs, new ongoing studies will clarify the role of drotrecogin alfa (activated) and low dose hydrocortisone. The modulation of monocytic human leukocyte antigen-DR seems the most prominent treatment. The use of cardiovascular drugs requires well-conducted clinical trials. The regulation of high mobility group box 1, adenosine blockade or correction of the impaired energy production is still at the experimental level.
Insights
New antibiotics offer refined sepsis treatment choices. Emerging therapies like direct hemoperfusion and immunomodulation show promise, while others remain experimental.
Area of Science:
- Critical care medicine
- Infectious diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality in intensive care units.
- Despite extensive research, effective mortality-reducing sepsis drugs are still needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review new licensed antibiotics for sepsis treatment.
- To analyze adjuvant therapies and novel experimental concepts in sepsis management.
Main Methods:
- Literature analysis of clinical trials and experimental data on sepsis (2008-2009).
- Inclusion of seminal articles published before 2008 where relevant.
Main Results:
- New antibiotics can refine sepsis treatment strategies.
- Direct hemoperfusion with polymyxin B-immobilized fiber is a potential option for Gram-negative sepsis.
- Ongoing studies are evaluating drotrecogin alfa (activated) and low-dose hydrocortisone.
Conclusions:
- Modulation of monocytic human leukocyte antigen-DR is a key treatment focus.
- Cardiovascular drug use in sepsis requires further clinical trials.
- Experimental sepsis therapies include targeting high mobility group box 1, adenosine, and energy production.
Related Concept Videos
Combined Effects of Drugs: Synergism
Such synergistic combinations...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Impact of Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Models: Regulatory Decisions

