Updates from our Research on Phages

Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been identified by the World Health Organization as a high-priority pathogen, underscoring the critical need for effective treatments. A study in Europe put P. aeruginosa as one of the leading contributor to the DALYs associated with Drug resistant bacteria(https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/laninf/PIIS1473-3099(18)30605-4.pdf ).

In Nigeria, the burden of P. aeruginosa infections is particularly severe. At the Centre for Phage Biology and Therapeutics in Jos, Plateau, we are actively working towards developing a phage-based solution to address this challenge.

While phage therapy is well-established in Europe, it remains underutilized in Nigeria. In our research, we have tested phages against 20 drug-resistant strains of P. aeruginosa and have observed promising results. We have found phage cocktail that have been able to kill 80% of multi-drug resistant clinical Pseudomonas strains.

Our goal is to develop a broad-spectrum phage cocktail, and proceed to a preclinical stage trial.

Why is This Important?

This study holds significant importance in the context of global health and development. While phage therapy has shown promising results in various parts of the world, Africa remains behind in adopting phages as a viable alternative to antibiotics. One key reason for this lag is that local research on phage therapy is still in its infancy.

A fully developed phage program has the potential to reduce reliance on antibiotics and save countless lives. Our research group is dedicated to estimating the cost-effectiveness of phage therapy, which we believe will be instrumental in informing policy and aiding in critical decision-making processes.

Future Directions

Our immediate goal is to advance to a Phase 1 clinical trial within the next year. Specifically, we aim to test our phages on isolates from Cystic Fibrosis patients to evaluate their efficacy.

Though ambitious, success in this endeavor could position Nigeria as a leader in phage research, contributing significantly to the global fight against antibiotic resistance.

If you are interested in phage research or would want to learn more about our research on phages. You can talk to us via [email protected]