An international consortium led by the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) has launched the EU-funded research project CURE-SHOCK. Supported with approximately €8 million under Horizon Europe, the project is investigating a novel therapeutic approach for patients suffering from life-threatening circulatory shock.
The scientific coordinator of the project is Professor Mahir Karakas, a researcher at the German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) based at UKE. Also involved is Professor Tanja Zeller, a DZHK researcher at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) and the University of Lübeck. UKE, UKSH and the University of Lübeck are partner institutions of the DZHK Partner Site North.
Circulatory shock resulting from severe infections, traumatic injuries or extensive burns remains one of the greatest challenges in intensive care medicine. Despite advances in treatment, mortality rates remain high. Current treatment options are largely limited to supportive therapies.
At the heart of CURE-SHOCK is the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase 3 (DPP3), which may play a key role in severe forms of shock. The project will investigate the novel antibody Invobenitug, which is designed to selectively neutralise elevated levels of DPP3 in the bloodstream. The aim is to stabilise cardiovascular function, reduce organ failure and improve outcomes for critically ill patients.
The clinical trial will be conducted at centres in Germany, Poland and Ukraine. Using a rapid diagnostic test, researchers aim to identify those patients most likely to benefit from the new therapy. In doing so, the project applies a precision medicine approach to intensive care.
The project will run for 42 months and has additionally been awarded the European Union’s STEP Seal, which recognises projects of particular strategic importance for Europe’s innovation capacity.
Further press release:
Researchers investigate therapies for life-threatening circulatory shock (UKSH, 12 June 2026)
The EU-funded CURE-SHOCK project is coordinated by an international consortium led by UKE. Further information on the project’s objectives, partners and planned clinical studies can be found on the project website: https://www.cure-shock.eu/
