Vienna, 08.09.2023. Sepsis is one of the most common causes of death around the world.[1] Around 2 million people in Europe suffer from this disease each year – 28,000 of them in Austria. The condition proves fatal for around 7,500 people across Austria.[2] By comparison, 4,293 people died of a heart attack in Austria last year.[3] But what makes sepsis so dangerous?
Understanding sepsis better
The answer is simple: Being unaware. Because sepsis is a lurking threat primarily affecting people with a weak immune system and intensive care patients. But older people roughly over the age of 60 and infants under the age of one can also be affected. Cancer patients, diabetics or the chronically ill, as well as alcoholics and drug addicts also display an increased risk of sepsis.
AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals GmbH (AOP Health) feels obliged to face up to this challenge because the company has been involved in research and development on therapies for intensive care patients for 25 years. Dr. Hugo Leodolter, Head of Medical Affairs Austria at AOP Health, a pharmaceutical company focused on rare diseases and intensive care medicine, explains: