RecruitingPhase IIInterventional

Preventing new infections while patients are sick in hospital with omega-3 fatty acids

This study aims to discover if giving seriously ill patients in hospital fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) can help prevent them from getting new infections. Many patients in intensive care units can pick up new infections, which can be very serious and make their hospital stay longer. Fish oil might help reduce these infections and potentially shorten how long people need to stay in hospital. This particular study is in its early stages (Phase II) and focuses on finding the right dose of a specific omega-3 product called Omegaven. By finding the correct dose, researchers hope to pave the way for future, larger studies to confirm if this treatment is effective. Participants will either receive Omegaven or standard care, and their health will be monitored.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Phase II

Sponsor

Queen Mary University of London

Enrolment target

Start

17 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Prevention of hospital-acquired infection in adult, critically ill patients

What is this study about?

When people are very poorly and need to stay in hospital, especially in intensive care, there's a risk they might develop new infections that they didn't have when they first came in. These 'hospital-acquired infections' can be very serious and make people even sicker, often meaning they need to stay in hospital for much longer. This can be a challenging time for both patients and their families.

Researchers are investigating whether something called omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish oil, could help prevent these new infections. Omega-3s are known to be important for our health in many ways. The idea is that giving seriously ill patients a special kind of fish oil might boost their body's defences and make them less likely to get these extra infections.

This study, called "Preventing new infections while patients are sick in hospital with omega-3 fatty acids," is an early-stage trial (Phase II). Its main goal isn't to prove that omega-3s definitely work yet, but rather to find the safest and most effective dose of a specific omega-3 product called Omegaven. By identifying the right dose, researchers can then plan much larger studies in the future to see if Omegaven can widely help seriously ill patients avoid infections and potentially recover faster.

Key takeaways

New study exploring if fish oil (omega-3) can prevent infections in seriously ill hospital patients.
Aims to find the safest and most effective dose of Omegaven (an omega-3 product).
Participants will receive either Omegaven or standard care for 10 days.
Serious side effects are not expected, as Omegaven is a licensed medicine.
Study helping to improve care for future patients in intensive care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adult patients, aged 18 or older, who have been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

To be considered, patients must either need help with their breathing using a machine (intubation and ventilation) or require support for at least two major organ systems in their body. It is also expected that they will need to stay in the critical care unit for at least three more days.

However, some patients cannot take part. This includes those already receiving a specific type of feeding called total parenteral nutrition, or if they are receiving end-of-life care. Patients with certain blood conditions, problems with their immune system, or allergies to fish or egg protein cannot join. Also, if they are pregnant or taking certain blood-thinning medications, they would not be able to participate. The medical team will check all these details carefully.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)?
Are you NOT allergic to fish or egg protein?
Are you NOT currently receiving specific type of artificial feeding (total parenteral nutrition)?
Are you NOT undergoing end-of-life care?
Are you NOT pregnant?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are eligible and agree to take part, you will be put into one of two groups by chance, like flipping a coin. One group will receive doses of omega-3 fatty acids (Omegaven) through a drip for 10 days, in addition to their usual hospital care. The other group will simply receive their standard hospital care without any extra treatments. This is to compare if the omega-3 has any effect.

Throughout the study, the medical team will monitor your health very closely, just as they would normally in intensive care. They will observe if you develop any new infections and how long you stay in hospital. There are no extra tests or hospital visits beyond what you would already receive as part of your routine care. The study aims to follow patients for the duration of their hospital stay and understand the effects of the treatment during the time they receive it. The entire study project is expected to run from January 2022 until December 2026.

Potential risks and benefits

We hope this study will help us understand if Omegaven can prevent serious infections in hospital, but we can't promise that you will personally benefit from taking part. The main benefit for participants is knowing they are contributing to medical research that could help future patients. Omegaven, which contains fish oil, is a licensed medicine in the EU and has been used safely in many people, including healthy individuals and those with liver problems or children. Serious side effects are not expected. However, as with any medication, there's a small chance of side effects like feeling sick or developing a mild skin rash. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Barts Health NHS Trust
City only
London, England

Common questions

What are omega-3 fatty acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats, often found in fish oil, that are important for your body's functions. This study uses a specific omega-3 product called Omegaven.

What kind of infections are you trying to prevent?

We are looking at preventing 'hospital-acquired infections,' which are new infections that patients can develop while they are being treated in hospital, especially when they are very unwell.

Is Omegaven a new or experimental drug?

Omegaven is a licensed medication in the EU. This study is looking at using it in a new way to prevent infections and find the best dose, rather than it being a completely new drug.

How long will I be in the study if I take part?

If you're in the omega-3 group, you'll receive the treatment for 10 days. Your health will continue to be monitored as part of your standard hospital care.

Where is this study taking place?

This study is currently being run from The Royal London Hospital in the UK.

How to find out more

Zudin Puthucheary

z.puthucheary@qmul.ac.uk +44 (0)20 35940351 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.