Edobacomab [E5] is the latest victim in a long line of agents that have failed to show efficacy in pivotal trials of sepsis. However, leading experts in endotoxin research still believe that targeting lipopolysaccharide (LPS) holds considerable promise as a therapeutic option in this indication. The latest results from studies involving rBPI21[recombinant bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein, ‘Neuprex’] support this view. Good results have been seen in studies of this agent that have involved highly defined, endotoxin-related indications. The latest data on both edobacomab and rBPI21were presented at the 7th International IBC Conference on Sepsis [Washington DC, US; April 1997]. Other approaches to neutralising the effects of bacterial endotoxins will be discussed in a future issue ofInpharma.