Innovate UK KTN Phage Innovation Network - Online launch event

Phage-based technologies (PBTs) are viable aids to controlling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and ensuring the longevity of antibiotics. There is a significant, globally recognised knowledge base for phage research and development in the UK. However, the positive outputs from UK-based researchers and companies are seldom translated into the application of PBTs in the UK due to challenges including limited regulatory frameworks and lack of manufacturing capacity.

To address the challenges phage research and development faces in the UK, Innovate UK KTN has established the Phage Innovation Network. This initiative will be instrumental in driving innovation in the regulation and development of PBTs for applications across multiple sectors, ensuring the UK maintains its strong stance on tackling AMR and solidifies its position as a world leader in phage research and adoption of PBTs.

Direct impacts of the network include:

• Understanding emerging innovations in the development of PBTs – provide a forum for the UK’s community of phage researchers, innovative companies, end user industries, funders, regulators, those interested in alternatives to antibiotics, and other key stakeholders to establish the state-of-the-art of phage research, network, and develop new project ideas.
• Improving cross sector access to PBTs leading to multi-sector reduction in antibiotic use – showcase PBTs to increase engagement of key stakeholders on this topic across sectors and strengthen and improve industry engagement in the development and production of PBTs.
• Creating a business community around innovations in phage research for sector growth and economic benefit in the UK – build a platform from which the UK knowledge base for phage research can be expanded for the UK to solidify itself as a world leader in the development of PBTs.
• Changing perceptions of anti-infectives and their role in society – expand reach and engagement and network activities to contribute to redefining antimicrobials as infrastructure necessary for global health and economic security.

Watch the recording of the launch of the Phage Innovation Network, where we further outline the activities of the network and showcase some of the technologies and implementation strategies for PBTs that are being developed in the UK.

Speakers

Dr Anisha Thanki – Centre for Phage Research, University of Leicester – Assessing the efficacy of bacteriophage therapy to reduce Salmonella colonisation in chickens
Dr Josh Jones – NHS Tayside – Clinical Phage Therapy
Dr Gordon Smith – Fixed Phage – The Commercial Development of Phage Therapeutics