Study will evaluate the safety and potential benefit of recombinant human talactoferrin as an addition to the standard care of severe sepsis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age greater than or equal to 18 years
• Onset of severe sepsis within the previous 24 hours
• Must be receiving antibiotic therapy
• Informed consent form signed by patient, legal next-of-kin or legal guardian
• Able to take medication by mouth or feeding tube

Exclusion Criteria:

• Receipt of investigational medication within 4 weeks prior to participation in the study
• Pregnant or breast-feeding
• Severe congestive heart failure
• Known severe HIV infection
• Presence of severe burns
• Patients on high dose immunosuppressants
• Patients whose death is considered imminent
• Patients whose life expectancy for concurrent illness is less than 6 months
• Severe hypoxic encephalopathy or persistent vegetative state
• Severe liver disease
• Patient, legal representative or patient's primary physician not committed to providing full, aggressive life support