Phage studies in the USA in 2019

Two clinical phage trials are being conducted in the USA in 2019.

The first study is a trial investigating the efficacy and safety of orally administered bacteriophages for intestinal adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) in patients with inactive Crohn’s disease. Unfortunately, the causes of Crohn’s disease are still poorly understood. However, the presence of AIEC in the intestine usually has a negative effect on intestinal inflammation.

By using phages that only infect and kill this specific type of bacteria (AIEC), there is hope that the course of Crohn’s disease can be improved. The phages would only target the AIEC without attacking the natural, beneficial gut bacteria. This phage therapy can reduce the use of antibiotics. The use of antibiotics causes significant damage to the bacteria in the gut. With repeated use, gut bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics. Reducing the use of antibiotics would limit both risks.

The second phage study is a clinical trial conducted by the Center for Innovative Phage Applications and Therapeutics (IPATH) at the UC San Diego School of Medicine.

This is a Phase I clinical trial in which a bacteriophage combination is used to treat patients with an artificial heart who are suffering from infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. This study examines the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of this phage therapy.