Sepsis-related organ dysfunction and shock are primary causes of death in critical illness

which is triggered by pathogen associated molecules patterns (PAMPs) and progresses into life threatening stages as a result of systemic dysfunction in inflammatory reactions

coagulation cascades and immune responses. Advances in our understanding of pathogenesis in sepsis prompt different kinds of anti-sepsis strategies. Unfortunately

there is no specific agent for sepsis except for recombinant human activated protein C

which is withdrawn because of its severe adverse effects. Therefore

it is significant to reevaluate the drugs in clinic and reconsider the strategies in preclinical or clinical studies. Herein

we discuss the therapeutic approaches for sepsis that affect different stages of sepsis progression

their efficacy in treating sepsis

and possible fields for discovering new agents for sepsis treatment.