~70 spots leftby Dec 2025

Prophylactic Surfactant for Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome

(PreProMISe Trial)

MD
Overseen byMatthew Derrick, MBBS
Age: < 18
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Phase 4
Recruiting
Sponsor: NorthShore University HealthSystem
Disqualifiers: Congenital anomalies, alternate respiratory distress
No Placebo Group
Prior Safety Data
Approved in 3 Jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to explore the question: Does prophylactic administration of exogenous surfactant in the delivery room, using a minimally-invasive technique, improve outcome in preterm infants 22-29 weeks' gestation compared to rescue treatment using the same technique?

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the drug Poractant Alfa (Curosurf) for treating neonatal respiratory distress syndrome?

Research shows that Poractant Alfa (Curosurf) significantly reduces neonatal mortality by 40% and increases the percentage of survivors without severe lung problems in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. Additionally, higher doses of Curosurf are more effective in treating severe cases, leading to better outcomes and lower costs.12345

Is Poractant Alfa (Curosurf) safe for humans?

Poractant Alfa (Curosurf) has been used safely in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome, and studies have shown it to be effective with manageable complication rates. It has been compared to other treatments and used in various doses, showing a good safety profile in these contexts.12456

How is the drug Poractant Alfa (Curosurf) unique in treating neonatal respiratory distress syndrome?

Poractant Alfa (Curosurf) is unique because it is a porcine-derived surfactant that can be administered in different doses, with higher doses showing better outcomes in severe cases of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. It has been shown to significantly reduce neonatal mortality and improve survival without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (a chronic lung disease) compared to other treatments.12345

Research Team

MD

Matthew Derrick, MBBS

Principal Investigator

Northshore Univ Healthsystem

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for premature infants born at 22-29 weeks' gestation. To participate, parents must give consent before birth. Infants with congenital anomalies or another cause of respiratory distress cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

Antenatal consent from Parent
You are less than 30 weeks pregnant.

Exclusion Criteria

Birth defects
My breathing problems are caused by something other than my current condition.

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Infants receive prophylactic or rescue surfactant treatment using the MIST technique shortly after birth

7 days
Continuous monitoring in NICU

Post-Intervention Management

Infants are managed with CPAP or HFNC, with criteria for intubation and potential additional surfactant doses

First week of life

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for respiratory and non-respiratory outcomes until discharge and followed up at 2 years

Until discharge and 2-year follow-up

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Poractant Alfa (Surfactant)
Trial OverviewThe study tests if giving a substance called Poractant Alfa right after birth improves health outcomes compared to waiting until the baby shows signs of breathing trouble (rescue treatment).
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Prophylactic Surfactant via Minimally Invasive TechniqueExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Infants randomized to prophylactic surfactant treatment will receive a dose of poractant alfa (Curosurf) administered under direct laryngoscopy using a surfactant instillation catheter (MIST) 16G Angiocath (Becton Dickinson, Sandy, UT, USA), at a dosage of 200 mg/kg as soon as possible after delivery (within 15 minutes).
Group II: Rescue Surfactant via Minimally Invasive TechniqueActive Control1 Intervention
The control group will be given surfactant will receive a dose of poractant alfa (Curosurf) administered under direct laryngoscopy using a surfactant instillation catheter (MIST) 16G Angiocath (Becton Dickinson, Sandy, UT, USA), at a dosage of 200 mg/kg if their fiO2 reaches a threshold of ≥30% within the first 48 hours of life.

Poractant Alfa is already approved in Canada for the following indications:

🇨🇦
Approved in Canada as Curosurf for:
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in premature infants

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

NorthShore University HealthSystem

Lead Sponsor

Trials
134
Recruited
740,000+
David Hall profile image

David Hall

NorthShore University HealthSystem

Chief Executive Officer since 2009

MBA in Healthcare Management, Western Governors University

Dr. Andi Arnautovic profile image

Dr. Andi Arnautovic

NorthShore University HealthSystem

Chief Medical Officer since 1989

Residency at Mount Sinai Hospital, Chicago

Endeavor Health

Lead Sponsor

Trials
135
Recruited
742,000+
Gerald "J.P." Gallagher profile image

Gerald "J.P." Gallagher

Endeavor Health

Chief Executive Officer since 2022

MBA from Benedictine University

Sanjeeb Khatua, MD profile image

Sanjeeb Khatua, MD

Endeavor Health

Chief Physician Executive since 2023

MD from Rush Medical College

Chiesi USA, Inc.

Industry Sponsor

Trials
9
Recruited
6,100+

Findings from Research

In two animal models of respiratory distress, Poractant alfa (100 and 200 mg/kg) demonstrated a significantly better acute pulmonary response compared to Bovactant (50 mg/kg), achieving rapid and sustained recovery in respiratory function.
At equivalent phospholipid doses, Poractant alfa resulted in superior arterial oxygenation and lung gas volumes compared to Bovactant, indicating its greater efficacy in treating neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.
In Vivo Evaluation of the Acute Pulmonary Response to Poractant Alfa and Bovactant Treatments in Lung-Lavaged Adult Rabbits and in Preterm Lambs with Respiratory Distress Syndrome.Ricci, F., Salomone, F., Kuypers, E., et al.[2020]
In a study of 924 very preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), treatment with the porcine-derived lung surfactant poractant alfa significantly impacted respiratory outcomes, with a mortality rate of 23.5% and survival without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) at 28 days and 36 weeks postmenstrual age being 38.9% and 54.0%, respectively.
Key risk factors for developing severe BPD included low gestational age, low birthweight, and complications such as interstitial emphysema and pulmonary infections, highlighting the importance of early intervention and monitoring in this vulnerable population.
The short-term outcome of a large cohort of very preterm infants treated with poractant alfa (Curosurf) for respiratory distress syndrome. A postmarketing phase IV study.Lamboley-Gilmert, G., Lacaze-Masmonteil, T.[2018]
Treatment with porcine surfactant (Curosurf) significantly reduced neonatal mortality by 40% in preterm babies with respiratory distress syndrome, highlighting its efficacy.
In addition to lowering mortality, the use of Curosurf resulted in more than double the percentage of survivors without bronchopulmonary dysplasia compared to the control group, indicating improved safety and outcomes for treated infants.
[Surfactant treatment of premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome].Saugstad, OD., Gloppestad, K.[2008]

References

In Vivo Evaluation of the Acute Pulmonary Response to Poractant Alfa and Bovactant Treatments in Lung-Lavaged Adult Rabbits and in Preterm Lambs with Respiratory Distress Syndrome. [2020]
The short-term outcome of a large cohort of very preterm infants treated with poractant alfa (Curosurf) for respiratory distress syndrome. A postmarketing phase IV study. [2018]
[Surfactant treatment of premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome]. [2008]
Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of different doses of Curosurf for treating neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome. [2021]
Intratracheal atomized surfactant provides similar outcomes as bolus surfactant in preterm lambs with respiratory distress syndrome. [2018]
A randomized, multicenter masked comparison trial of poractant alfa (Curosurf) versus beractant (Survanta) in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants. [2022]