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Phage therapeutic delivery methods and clinical trials for combating clinically relevant pathogens

Heba Mohammed Refat M Selim1,2, Fatma Alzahraa M Gomaa3, Mohammad Y Alshahrani4

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Therapeutic Delivery
|November 15, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Phage therapy offers a potent alternative to antibiotics for combating multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. This review highlights phage therapy

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria presents a critical global health challenge.
  • Existing antimicrobial agents face limitations due to widespread resistance.
  • Phage therapy is emerging as a promising alternative for treating MDR infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the latest advancements in phage therapy for MDR infections.
  • To explore phage attack strategies, formulations, and administration routes.
  • To discuss the clinical trial status, challenges, and future prospects of phage therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of in vitro and in vivo studies on phage therapy.
  • Analysis of current clinical trial data for phage therapy applications.
  • Synthesis of information on phage mechanisms, delivery, and regulatory hurdles.

Main Results:

  • Phage therapy demonstrates significant bactericidal and anti-biofilm activity against MDR bacteria.
  • Various phage formulations and administration routes are being investigated for efficacy and safety.
  • Several phage therapy candidates are progressing through clinical trials for diverse infections.

Conclusions:

  • Phage therapy shows considerable potential as a safe and effective treatment for MDR infections.
  • Overcoming challenges in phage therapy development and clinical implementation is crucial for its widespread adoption.
  • Continued research and clinical evaluation are essential to fully realize the therapeutic promise of bacteriophages.
Keywords:
Phage therapyantibioticsbacteriophagesmultidrug-resistantphage cocktail

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