Shaping the Future of Paediatric Sepsis Research

News

11 Sept

Every year, an estimated 25.2 million children worldwide are diagnosed with sepsis — with 3.4 million tragically losing their lives. Sepsis remains one of the most urgent and devastating health challenges facing children globally.

To change this, a new initiative is underway: the Paediatric Adaptive Sepsis Platform Trial (PASSPORT). This groundbreaking trial is being designed to test multiple treatments for paediatric sepsis under a single, adaptive platform. By using cutting-edge trial methods, PASSPORT will:

Evaluate several treatments at the same time
Adapt based on results in real time, so children always receive the best evidence-based care
Accelerate the discovery of effective therapies for critically ill children

The trial will begin in 2027, enrolling children aged 1 month to 18 years across Australia and New Zealand, before expanding to include sites around the world.

Hear from members of our PSP Steering Group:

But what research questions are most important?

Before PASSPORT begins, we want to ensure that the research focuses on the questions that matter most to those affected by sepsis: patients, parents and carers, and health care professionals.

That’s why we’re partnering with the James Lind Alliance to run a Research Priority Survey. The survey will identify the top unanswered questions about paediatric sepsis and guide the PASSPORT trial to address them.

By taking part, you can help shape the future of sepsis research — ensuring the trial delivers answers that will truly improve outcomes for children.