Sepset is developing a first in class diagnostic assay for the early and rapid diagnosis of sepsis.
Sepsis causes over 18 million deaths per year worldwide and mortality rates remain high at over 30%. Mortality and morbidity rates grow by ~8% for every hour that a patient with sepsis goes undiagnosed. But current methods of diagnosis can take over 24 hours and are not fully predictive, highlighting the need for rapid detection methods.
Sepset’s diagnostic assay is based on a gene signature of endotoxin tolerance that was initially identified through genetic analysis of immune cells in septic patients.
Endotoxin tolerance can be described as immune amnesia. Following an initial systemic infection, immune cells can lose the ability to respond to bacterial toxins. When re-challenged with endotoxins, these cells are unable to mount a defense, leading to poor outcomes in these patients.
A pilot study of 72 early suspected sepsis patients demonstrated that the endotoxin tolerance genetic signature was significantly enriched in patients who were subsequently diagnosed with sepsis.
We are in the process of planning a large multi-center trial and are looking for partners to work with us to advance this technology.