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The potential of bacteriophages in treating multidrug-resistant ESKAPE pathogen infections

Izadora Dillis Faccin1, Gleyce Hellen de Almeida de Souza1, Jean Carlos Pael Vicente1

  • 1Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Laboratory of Health Sciences Research (LPCS), Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents
|August 9, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Bacteriophage therapy presents a viable solution to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) caused by ESKAPE pathogens. This review analyzes patents on phage applications for treating infections and selecting effective phages.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biotechnology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health threat, diminishing antibiotic effectiveness.
  • ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.) are key drivers of AMR.
  • Bacteriophage therapy offers a targeted, specific alternative to conventional antibiotics, with potential to preserve beneficial microbiota.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review patent applications and granted patents concerning bacteriophage applications for treating infections caused by ESKAPE pathogens.
  • To examine methods for selecting bacteriophages for therapeutic use.
  • To highlight the growing interest and investment in phage-based AMR strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive search of patent databases up to October 18, 2024.
  • Analysis of patents related to bacteriophage therapy for ESKAPE pathogens.
  • Review of patents covering phage selection methodologies and phage-derived products.

Main Results:

  • Significant patent activity indicates a research hotspot in bacteriophage applications for AMR.
  • Patents cover diverse strategies, including phage cocktails, computational design, phage-derived proteins, and combination therapies.
  • Increasing patent filings, particularly in China and the United States, underscore global R&D focus.

Conclusions:

  • Bacteriophage therapy is a promising strategy to address the challenge of multidrug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens.
  • The patent landscape reflects substantial innovation in developing and applying phages for infectious disease treatment.
  • Phage-based approaches represent a critical area for future antimicrobial development, especially for resource-limited settings.
Keywords:
Antimicrobial resistancealternative therapybacterial virusesnovel antimicrobialsphage particlesphage therapytherapeutic strategies

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