Developing and delivering phage-based technologies in the UK
This report, put together by the Innovate UK Phage Innovation Network (Phage IN), summarises the community’s perspective on the current capacity in different areas in the UK that could be used to support growth, the current limitations for the development and use of phage-based technologies (PBTs) in the UK, and a realistic future position for the UK to aim for.
The report was written with support from phage experts, the wider microbiology and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) communities, specialists from different industries interested in the use of phages, regulators, policy makers and funders. It has also been informed by visits to phage research centres, treatment centres, and companies in the USA, Australia and Belgium.
Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that infect bacteria. They are increasingly being seen as possible alternatives to traditional antimicrobial approaches across multiple sectors. The UK is rich in talented, accomplished and world-renowned phage researchers and scientists, as well as a variety of companies developing PBTs for use across sectors including health and agriculture. Despite this extensive resource, there is limited translation of this knowledge into real-world solutions that can be applied across different sectors in the UK.
The Phage IN was launched in February 2023 with the aim of supporting the progress of UK phage research and development and improving access to PBTs in the UK. The importance of the network was recognised in a Science, Innovation & Technology Committee report: The antimicrobial potential of bacteriophages. It highlighted the role of the Phage IN in providing a forum that is already delivering significant impact as a focal point for government organisations, key stakeholders, and the phage community to connect, discuss and progress the phage sector.
This report supports the 2019 20-year vision for antimicrobial resistance and the subsequent national action plan: Confronting antimicrobial resistance 2024 to 2029, published earlier this year by the previous government.
Key actions
The report concludes with six key actions that have been suggested to support the development and use of PBTs and ensure key activities to address AMR are undertaken in the UK. These actions have been put together following engagement and consultation with a wide range of stakeholders from phage experts to policy makers, from a variety of industries. They include establishing a Good Manufacturing Practice manufacturing capability for PBTs in the UK and cost-benefit analyses of the use of PBTs in different sectors.
Who is this report for?
- innovators interested in exploring the applications of PBTs
- policy makers or funders keen to understand the opportunities PBTs offer
- phage sector stakeholders looking to understand the barriers to the application of PBTs
- stakeholders in human health, animal health, food safety, crop production, aquaculture and, water sanitation and surveillance
Related programme
Phage Innovation Network
Driving innovation in the regulation and development of phage-based technologies for applications across multiple sectors, ensuring the UK maintains its strong stance on tackling antimicrobial resistance and solidifies its position as a world leader in phage research.