University researcher awarded novel phage therapy funding
University of Liverpool researcher Dr Liberty Duignan from the Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, in the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, has been awarded funding from the Network+ Researchers in Residence scheme to investigate scale up and manufacturing of novel phage therapy in collaboration with the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) and Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC).
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global issue which is predicted to result in 10 million excess deaths by 2050, if there is no change. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy is the use of viruses that infect and kill bacteria. With rising antimicrobial resistance, phage therapy is a promising alternative therapeutic. A recent systematic review of clinical data showed that phages are safe and 87% patients receiving phages achieved bacterial eradication. Countries including Belgium and Australia are currently using phages clinically. However, industry associated with phage is limited in the UK. This project will enable the UK to become more resilient in the fight against antibiotic resistant bacteria and potentially support the emergence of phage-based industries by creating expertise and facilities in phage manufacture.
Professor Jo Fothergill is Director of the University of Liverpool’s Microbiome Innovation Centre and her research group based in the Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology has performed research on phages for over 10 years. More recently, they have identified novel phages against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, both major pathogens identified by the World Health Organisation as priorities for new therapeutics.
Professor Fothergill said: “I am delighted that Libby has been awarded this funding. The project is an excellent opportunity to address the manufacturing barriers within the UK through exchange of knowledge and expertise between the CPI, MDC and the University of Liverpool.”
Clare Trippett, Chief Technologist at CPI said: “We very much look forward to working with Libby on this project, which cements our developing partnership with the University of Liverpool’s Microbiome Innovation Centre. This initiative will bridge the gap between academic research and industry, pave the way for high-quality phage manufacturing and scale-up and open the gates to using phages as an alternative to antibiotics: a crucial weapon in the fight against antibiotic resistance.”