RecruitingPhase IVInterventional

A hospital study testing whether more tailored antibiotic treatment for patients with sepsis can improve recovery while also helping reduce antibiotic resistance

Sepsis occurs when the body has an extreme, life-threatening response to an infection. People with sepsis need antibiotics straight away. However, it is not always easy for doctors to know which antibiotic to choose first. Giving very strong antibiotics too frequently can also cause bacteria to become resistant to treatment in the future. The PATH Sepsis study is running in NHS hospitals across the UK. It compares different standard antibiotic plans to see which ones help patients recover best while safeguarding our strongest medicines. Because sepsis is an emergency requiring immediate care, treatment begins straight away, and researchers discuss consent with patients or their families as soon as it is safe. Taking part does not require any extra blood tests, scans, or hospital appointments beyond normal care.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Phase IV

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

1,452

Start

15 Oct 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Sepsis

What is this study about?

Sepsis is a medical emergency that happens when your immune system overreacts to an infection, causing inflammation that can damage your own tissues and organs. When patients arrive at hospital with suspected sepsis, doctors must give antibiotics as quickly as possible. However, deciding which antibiotic to use first can be challenging, especially as different types of bacteria respond to different medicines.

At the same time, doctors must be careful with how they use antibiotics. If hospitals rely too heavily on the strongest "broad-spectrum" antibiotics for everyone, bacteria can gradually learn to survive them. This problem, known as antibiotic resistance, makes infections much harder to treat in the future. The PATH Sepsis study is designed to find a better balance by tailoring initial antibiotic choices based on a person's risk of having resistant bacteria.

The trial is taking place in NHS hospitals across the UK. Researchers are comparing treatment strategies that use medicines already in daily NHS use. By reviewing how patients do, the study aims to give doctors clearer guidance on the best first-line antibiotic treatments, helping future patients recover while keeping vital medicines working for everyone.

Key takeaways

The PATH Sepsis study is testing the best first-choice antibiotics for people with sepsis in NHS hospitals.
All medicines tested are standard NHS antibiotics, not experimental drugs.
Treatment starts immediately to protect your health, and consent is discussed as soon as possible.
Taking part requires no extra hospital visits, needles, or blood tests.
The findings will help improve sepsis care and tackle the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for adults aged 18 and over who have been admitted to hospital with a newly suspected bacterial infection. To be considered, patients must show signs that their illness could become more severe. Hospital staff check this using standard health checks, such as routine blood tests or early warning scores that track breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Patients must also be expected to stay in hospital for at least two days.

People cannot take part if they have already been on hospital antibiotics for this infection for more than eight hours, or if they have certain conditions that require highly specific treatments, such as meningitis or heart valve infections. The study is also not suitable for anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, or who has severe drug allergies that prevent the use of standard study antibiotics.

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.

You are aged 18 or older.
You have been admitted to hospital with a newly suspected bacterial infection.
Routine hospital checks show signs that your infection could worsen.
You are expected to stay in hospital for at least two days.
You have had hospital antibiotics for this illness for less than 8 hours.
You are not pregnant or breastfeeding.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in the PATH Sepsis trial fits alongside your normal NHS hospital treatment. You will receive standard antibiotics given through a drip into a vein or as tablets. Because sepsis must be treated without delay, treatment may start before researchers speak with you or your family. This is an approved approach known as 'deferred consent'. Once you or your family are able, a researcher will explain the study in detail and ask for permission to use your health information.

There are no extra clinic visits, blood tests, or procedures required for the study. Researchers simply follow your recovery by looking at the standard information collected in your hospital notes over a 28-day period. If your infection does not improve, your doctors remain in full control and can change your antibiotics at any time.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may not provide a direct medical benefit to you personally, but it will help doctors learn how to treat sepsis more effectively and protect life-saving antibiotics for future patients. Because all the medicines tested are already used routinely across NHS hospitals, the physical risks are no different from standard medical care. You or your family can choose to leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and your normal hospital care will not be affected in any way.

Locations (6)

St. Marys Hospital
City only
London, England
Charing Cross Hospital
Approximate
London, England
Northwick Park Hospital
Approximate
Harrow, England
Chelsea & Westminster Hospital
Approximate
London, England
Royal Liverpool University Hospital
Approximate
Liverpool, England
Queen Alexandra Hospital
Unverified
Portsmouth, England

Common questions

Why was the study started before I gave consent?

Sepsis is an emergency that must be treated immediately to save lives. Waiting to complete paperwork would cause dangerous delays, so researchers use an approved method called 'deferred consent' to discuss the study once you or your family are ready.

Are these new or experimental medicines?

No. All the antibiotics used in this study are standard, approved medicines that NHS hospitals already prescribe every day.

Will I need to have extra tests or needles?

No. The study does not involve any additional blood tests, scans, or procedures. Researchers only look at data from the tests your doctors would normally do.

What happens if my antibiotic is not working?

Your bedside medical team is always in full control of your care. If you do not improve, your doctor will adjust or switch your antibiotics immediately to make sure you get the best treatment.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes. You or your representative have the right to withdraw from the trial at any point. Deciding to leave will not affect your care or your relationship with your healthcare team.

How to find out more

Ramona Georgescu

pathtrial@imperial.ac.uk - Official trial record

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