Phage therapy is a form of treatment for infectious diseases that uses bacteriophages, or viruses that specifically target and destroy bacteria. It is an alternative to traditional antibiotics, which can be ineffective against certain bacterial infections. Phage therapy works by introducing a phage to the infected area, which then binds to the bacteria and injects its genetic material into the cell, causing it to produce more phages. This process continues until the bacteria is destroyed.
Phage therapy has been used for decades in Eastern Europe, but is only recently gaining traction in the West. It is seen as a promising alternative to antibiotics, as it is more targeted and has fewer side effects. Additionally, it has the potential to be used against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which is becoming an increasingly serious problem.
Companies in the phage therapy market include AmpliPhi Biosciences, Adaptive Phage Therapeutics, and Phagelux. Show Less Read more
