CURE-SHOCK

Circulatory shock, encompassing septic, burn, and traumatic shock, affects over 500,000 patients annually in the EU and USA. It represents a life-threatening condition with 30–50% mortality within 30 days of hospitalization. Current treatments are limited to supportive care, lacking causal therapies. The CURE-SHOCK project, led by UKE Hamburg/ Germany in collaboration with UKSH Lübeck/ Germany, CLO/ Poland, and BNMU/ Ukraine, and the German SME 4TEEN4 Pharmaceuticals, addresses this gap by targeting Dipeptidyl Peptidase 3 (DPP3). DPP3 is a key driver of hemodynamic instability in circulatory shock. Procizumab, a novel monoclonal anti-DPP3 antibody, neutralizes DPP3, thereby restoring blood pressure homeostasis and stabilizing circulation. Preclinical studies and compassionate use cases demonstrate promising efficacy, with completed Phase 1 study confirming tolerability. CURE-SHOCK aims to conduct a Phase 2a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 150 patients (50 each for septic, burn, and traumatic shock) to provide the first efficacy and safety evidence of Procizumab in these shock entities. The trial will leverage four expert sites, using a personalized approach with DPP3 point-of-care testing. Aligned with HORIZON-HLTH-2025-01-TOOL-05, CURE-SHOCK advances biotech translation into innovative therapies, addressing unmet needs in critical care. It strengthens EU biotech competitiveness, fosters cross-border collaboration, and supports precision medicine, and holds the potential of saving tens of thousands lives annually.