AuthorisedTherapeutic confirmatory (Phase III)Interventional

Use of Isoprenaline with Epinephrine During Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest with Non-Shockable Rhytm (EPISO)

This research study is for adults who have had a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, specifically when their heart's electrical activity isn't responding to a defibrillator (a non-shockable rhythm). Doctors are testing two medicines, isoprenaline and epinephrine, to see if using them together can help get the heart beating effectively again for at least 20 minutes. The study will also look at whether this treatment improves a person's chances of survival and their recovery after leaving the hospital, including their brain function. Understanding if this combination of medicines is more effective could lead to better emergency care for people experiencing this serious condition.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic confirmatory (Phase III)

Sponsor

Odense University Hospital

Enrolment target

1,178

Start

11 Aug 2025

Cardiac arrest

What is this study about?

This study, called EPISO, is looking into a very serious medical emergency: cardiac arrest. This happens when your heart suddenly stops pumping blood around your body. For some people, an electric shock from a defibrillator can restart their heart. However, for others, this isn't an option because of the type of heart rhythm they have – doctors call this a non-shockable rhythm. This study focuses specifically on these individuals who experience a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital.

The main goal of the EPISO study is to see if giving two medicines, isoprenaline and epinephrine, together can help restart the heart for at least 20 minutes when someone has a non-shockable cardiac arrest. Epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) is often used in these situations. Researchers want to find out if adding isoprenaline makes the treatment more effective. If it does, it could lead to better outcomes for people in a life-threatening situation.

Beyond just restarting the heart, the researchers will also be checking other important things. They will look at whether people's heart rhythms change to one that *can* be shocked, if they survive to leave the hospital, and importantly, how well they recover, particularly how their brain functions three months after the cardiac arrest. This is a "Phase III" study, which means it's a large, important trial aimed at checking if a treatment is truly effective and safe before it becomes widely available.

Key takeaways

This study is about improving emergency care for cardiac arrest.
It focuses on *non-shockable* cardiac arrest outside of hospital.
Researchers are testing if two medicines (isoprenaline and epinephrine) work better together.
The main aim is to see if the heart starts beating again longer and if recovery is better.
It's for adults aged 18 and over.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged 18 and over who have experienced a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. All genders are welcome to participate. The study is specifically for those whose heart rhythm at the time of the cardiac arrest cannot be treated with an electric shock (doctors call this a non-shockable rhythm).

If you or a loved one were to have a cardiac arrest with a non-shockable rhythm, and fit the age criteria, you might be considered for this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Did the cardiac arrest happen outside of a hospital?
Was the heart rhythm at the time of the cardiac arrest 'non-shockable'?
Were other medical conditions not present that would prevent participation?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Because this study is about an emergency like cardiac arrest, patients won't be able to choose to take part themselves. If someone has a cardiac arrest and meets the study's criteria, emergency medical teams might administer the study medications (isoprenaline or a salt water solution, along with epinephrine) as part of their emergency care. The main treatment will involve receiving one of the study medicines during the cardiac arrest.

Afterwards, doctors will carefully watch the patient's condition to see if their heart starts beating again and for how long. They will also track their recovery, including reviewing their medical records at hospital discharge and 90 days later to check their survival and brain function. There won't be any specific extra visits for the patient, as all information will be gathered from their standard medical care and follow-up.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefit of taking part in this study is that the combination of medicines being tested might be more effective at restarting the heart and improving recovery after a cardiac arrest than current treatments. However, as with any medical intervention, there could be risks associated with the study medications, although careful monitoring will always be in place. If you or a loved one were to be involved, you would always have the right for doctors to stop the study treatment at any time, in consultation with your family if you are unable to communicate.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Denmark

Common questions

What is a cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest means your heart has suddenly stopped pumping blood, causing you to lose consciousness and stop breathing.

What does 'non-shockable rhythm' mean?

It means the electrical activity in your heart during cardiac arrest is not one that can be corrected by an electric shock from a defibrillator.

What are isoprenaline and epinephrine?

They are medicines that affect your heart and blood vessels. Epinephrine (adrenaline) is commonly used in cardiac arrest; isoprenaline is being tested alongside it in this study.

Who can take part in this study?

Adults aged 18 and over who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with a non-shockable heart rhythm and meet other specific study criteria.

What is the main goal of this study?

To find out if using isoprenaline with epinephrine helps to restart the heart for at least 20 minutes and improves survival and recovery after a cardiac arrest.