About the project
A bloodstream infection caused by the bacterium *Staphylococcus aureus* is a serious condition. Such an infection can lead to severe complications, including death. People with additional risk factors are particularly at risk. These include, for example, sites of infection deep within the body or medical implants such as catheters or prostheses. It is not yet clear whether treatment with multiple antibiotics offers any additional benefit for these patients. This study therefore investigates whether combining the antibiotic fosfomycin with another antibiotic can improve the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections.
Key points at a glance
FOSFO-SNAP is a new component of the international SNAP study. The SNAP study is investigating various treatment options for bloodstream infections caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. FOSFO-SNAP is aimed at patients who are at increased risk of severe disease progression. This includes, for example, deep-seated sites of infection or infected medical devices, such as catheters or prostheses. The study is investigating whether additional treatment with the antibiotic fosfomycin can help reduce the number of patient deaths within 90 days of infection or reduce the likelihood of the infection recurring. FOSFO-SNAP is being conducted in parallel with other treatment options as part of the SNAP study. The study was developed in Germany. In addition to German study centres, other international centres within the SNAP network are also expected to take part.
Preparations for the study are currently under way. This involves finalising the exact protocol for the study and drawing up the necessary documentation for approval. A particular challenge lies in coordinating the planning of FOSFO-SNAP with the other parts of the SNAP study. At the same time, the requirements and guidelines of the international SNAP study must be taken into account. This is to ensure that the study can be conducted in different countries in accordance with rules that are as uniform as possible.
In the FOSFO-SNAP trial, patients are randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. One group receives the usual treatment, whilst the other also receives the antibiotic fosfomycin. This allows researchers to compare whether the additional treatment offers any benefit. The trial is not blinded. This means that the treating doctors and the participating patients know which treatment is being administered. FOSFO-SNAP is part of the international SNAP study and is to be conducted at several study centres. The international study coordination is based in Adelaide (Australia). Utrecht University (Netherlands) acts as the sponsor within the European Union. Magdeburg University Hospital coordinates the SNAP study in Germany, whilst Freiburg University Hospital leads the FOSFO-SNAP study. The participating German study centres are supported in conducting the study by the Network University Medicine (NUM). Other international study centres may also take part, provided the necessary funding is available. The effectiveness of the treatment will be regularly assessed during the study. Based on these evaluations, a decision will be made as to whether the trial should continue as planned or whether it is already sufficiently clear that the additional treatment with fosfomycin offers a benefit or shows no benefit.