Investigating the role of sphingosine-1-phosphate in pneumonia treatment

To Assess the Role of Sphingosine-1-phosphate in the Pathobiology of Pneumonia: Generate a New Strategy for Treatment of Severe Community-acquired Pneumonia

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Taipei Medical University WanFang Hospital · NCT04007328

This study is testing if a substance called sphingosine-1-phosphate can help improve treatment for adults with pneumonia by seeing if it makes them feel better compared to a placebo.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorTaipei Medical University WanFang Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taipei City)
Trial IDNCT04007328 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial explores the effects of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) on patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). It aims to determine whether S1P can serve as a biomarker for pneumonia and whether its modulation through the administration of methylprednisolone can improve patient outcomes. The study will involve patients aged 18 and older who exhibit symptoms of pneumonia and will compare the effects of S1P treatment against a placebo. The trial is designed to assess both the safety and efficacy of this approach in enhancing lung endothelial barrier integrity and reducing pneumonia severity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with clinical symptoms suggestive of community-acquired pneumonia and a pneumonia severity index greater than 90.

Not a fit: Patients with severe immunosuppression, malignancies, or those currently using antibiotics or corticosteroids may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies for pneumonia, potentially reducing mortality and healthcare burden.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated the potential of S1P in lung injury contexts, suggesting that this approach may yield promising results, although it remains relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinical symptoms suggestive community-acquired pneumonia and pneumonia severe index (PSI) \> 90, Age 18 years or older and Written informed consent obtained

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of severe immunosuppression (HIV infection, use of immunosuppressants), malignancy, pregnancy or breastfeeding, patient with uncontrol diabetes, current use of antibiotics or corticosteroids, any likely infection other than CAP, or pneumonia that developed within 3 days after hospital discharge

Where this trial is running

Taipei City

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 Pneumonia, Bacterialsphingosine-1-phosphatecorticosteroids adjuvant therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.