Comparing early vasopressin to norepinephrine for treating septic shock

Norepinephrine and Vasopressin for Rescue Versus Early Vasopressin for Vasopressor Dependent Sepsis: An Open-label, Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial: NoVa

Phase 3 Interventional Hospital do Coracao · NCT06464510

This study is testing whether starting treatment with vasopressin right away is better than using norepinephrine plus vasopressin later for adults with severe sepsis who need help with their blood pressure.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment2800 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHospital do Coracao Academic / other
Locations8 sites (Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul and 7 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06464510 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase 3, multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial investigates the effectiveness of early vasopressin initiation versus a rescue strategy using norepinephrine plus vasopressin for critically ill patients suffering from vasopressor dependent sepsis. The study aims to enroll 2,800 adult patients who exhibit hemodynamic dysfunction due to sepsis. Participants will be monitored for their response to the different vasopressor strategies in managing their condition effectively.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with vasopressor dependent sepsis who require ICU admission and have received adequate volume resuscitation.

Not a fit: Patients who have received high doses of norepinephrine or those with severe kidney issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve hemodynamic management and outcomes for patients with septic shock.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored vasopressor strategies in sepsis, but this specific comparison of early vasopressin versus norepinephrine as a rescue strategy is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with vasopressor dependent sepsis, defined by infection suspicion and antibiotic administration or laboratory confirmed viral infection, plus hypotension with the need of vasopressors for at least one hour;
* Admitted or expected to be admitted to the ICU in the next 12 hours
* Adequate volume resuscitation in the opinion of the attending physician
* Use of norepinephrine \> 0.05μg/Kg/min and ≤ 0.25μg/Kg/min for at least 1 hour and at most 24 hours at the time of inclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

* Use of norepinephrine \> 0.25μg/Kg/min in the last 24 hours, except when administered transiently in the context of sedation for a procedure or the initial phase of volume resuscitation for a period of less than one hour
* Dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury that received renal replacement therapy during current hospitalization or are expected to receive renal replacement therapy in the next 24 hours
* Use of other vasopressors (except norepinephrine) at the moment of inclusion
* Use of vasopressors for sepsis in the last 7 days
* Suspected or confirmed acute mesenteric ischemia
* Anaphylaxis or known hypersensitivity to the study drug
* Expect to die in the next 24 hours
* Medical team not committed to full support at the time of inclusion
* Previous inclusion in the study

Where this trial is running

Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul and 7 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Septic ShockVasopressinNorepinephrineVasopressor dependent sepsisSeptic shockCritically ill
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.