How to: assess patient suitability for unlicensed phage therapy in the United Kingdom

Bacteriophage (phage) therapy is a promising alternative antimicrobial approach that has the potential to transform the way we treat bacterial infections. The antibiotic resistance crisis is driving renewed interest in phage therapy. There are currently no licensed phage therapy medicinal products and phage therapy is used in small but growing patient numbers on an unlicensed basis.

This article provides guidelines on the assessment of patient suitability for unlicensed phage therapy for clinicians in the United Kingdom.

This article builds on Health Improvement Scotland's recommendation for the consideration of phage therapy in difficult-to-treat infections and the experience of the author group, who have collectively assessed the suitability of 30 patients for phage therapy.

In the United Kingdom, unlicenced medicines, including phages, may be considered to meet special clinical needs. The use of unlicenced medicines is governed by national legislation and local National Health Service trust policies. Phages can be used in any National Health Service trust and decisions about suitability should be made through existing local clinical management pathways. This article sets out guidelines to support local clinical teams in the assessment of patient suitability for phage therapy. Clinical and microbiological considerations are presented, including allergy and pregnancy.

The assessment of patient suitability for phage therapy is within the scope of local clinical teams. Local assessment through existing clinical management pathways will develop confidence and competence in phage therapy among clinical teams nationally and ensure timely patient care.