Targeting Phage Therapy 2023 showcased the progress and possibilities of phage therapy in future

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Reviewed by Lily Ramsey, LLMJun 20 2023

The 6th World Congress on Targeting Phage Therapy 2023 that was held on June 1-2 in Paris, and gathered more than 150 attendees from 30+ different countries. Targeting Phage Therapy 2023 included more than 71 presentations between major talks, short orals, and posters.

The Chairman of the scientific committee Dr. Marvin Edeas Université de Paris, Cochin Institute, France, and Dr. Domenico Frezza, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Italy, stated: "It's wonderful to hear that the speakers at the Targeting Phage Therapy 2023 conference delivered excellent presentations on a variety of fantastic topics. The fact that new findings and original results were shared suggests that the field of phage therapy is advancing and contributing to the development of a new kind of medicine. Phage therapy holds immense potential in addressing the challenge of antibiotic resistance and improving treatment options for bacterial infections. The research and discussions presented at the conference likely showcased the progress and possibilities of this innovative therapeutic approach."

The future of phage therapy

Dr. Marvin Edeas presented a talk on phages and microbiota, he commented, Phages have the potential to play a significant role in shaping our microbiota and influencing various effects within our bodies. The human microbiota, which consists of trillions of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and phages, is known to have a profound impact on our health and well-being. Phages, being viruses that specifically target bacteria, can modulate the composition and dynamics of the microbiota by selectively infecting and killing certain bacterial species. This process, known as "phage predation," can lead to shifts in bacterial populations and the overall balance of the microbiota.

Furthermore, phages can impact the functions and interactions within the microbiota. They can transfer genes between bacteria through a process called horizontal gene transfer, influencing the genetic makeup and capabilities of bacterial communities. This transfer of genetic material can contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance genes or confer beneficial traits to bacteria, such as the ability to digest certain substances or resist pathogens.

Phages can also have indirect effects on human health by modulating the immune system. They can interact with immune cells and trigger immune responses, potentially influencing immune function and the body's ability to respond to infections or diseases.

Overall, the interplay between phages, bacteria, and the human microbiota is a complex and fascinating area of research. Understanding and harnessing the power of phages in modulating the microbiota holds great potential for developing innovative therapeutic approaches, improving health outcomes, and addressing various health challenges.

Phage and non-infectious diseases: New perspectives

Dr. Edeas strongly convinced that the potential applications of phages extend beyond their traditional use in treating bacterial infections. Emerging research suggests that phages could have therapeutic implications in a variety of non-infectious diseases, including obesity, cancer, and even mental health conditions like depression. However, it's important to note that while these possibilities are being explored, the field is still in its early stages, and more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and effectiveness of phage therapy in these areas.

Current challenges and future prospects

While phage therapy shows great promise, there are still challenges to overcome before it becomes widely available.

Regulatory hurdles: Regulatory frameworks for phage therapy vary across different countries, and establishing standardized guidelines is essential.
Phage selection: Identifying the most effective phages for specific bacterial strains can be time-consuming and complex.
Clinical trials: Rigorous clinical trials are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of phage therapy in different patient populations.

Despite these challenges, phage therapy holds significant potential. Ongoing research aims to optimize phage therapy protocols, develop phage cocktails, and improve delivery mechanisms to enhance its efficacy. Phage therapy, in combination with other advances in personalized medicine and immunotherapy, could revolutionize the treatment of bacterial infections and shape the future of medicine.

How phage therapy could influence the future of medicine

Dr. Edeas, Dr. Frezza and the scientific committee of Targeting Phage Therapy discussed the different targets of phage therapy:

Antibiotic Resistance: The global health community is grappling with the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance. As more bacteria evolve resistance to our current arsenal of antibiotics, the effectiveness of these treatments decreases. Phage therapy could offer a solution to this problem as phages are capable of infecting and killing even antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Precision Medicine: Phages are highly specific to the bacterial strains they infect. This means they could potentially be used for more targeted therapies than broad-spectrum antibiotics, which can disturb the gut microbiota and lead to side effects. This specificity aligns with the broader trend towards precision medicine, which aims to tailor treatment to individual patients based on their unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Phage Therapy Research: There is a resurgence of interest in phage therapy research due to the mounting crisis of antibiotic resistance. This research is producing promising results, but there are still many challenges to be overcome. These include determining the safety and efficacy of phage therapy, regulatory and manufacturing hurdles, and the need for more controlled clinical trials.
Bioengineering: With advancements in biotechnology, it is possible to genetically modify phages or engineer synthetic ones. This could allow us to create phages that are even more effective at combating bacteria, or that carry genes which make bacteria more susceptible to other treatments.
Diagnostics: Phages can be used to detect specific bacteria in diagnostic tests. This could help clinicians identify the cause of an infection more quickly and accurately, leading to more effective treatment.
Environmental applications: Besides human health, phage therapy can also be used in agriculture to combat bacterial diseases in crops or farm animals, and in food safety to kill foodborne pathogens.

While phage therapy holds great promise, it's important to note that much more research is needed to understand how best to use phages in a clinical setting. Phages are incredibly diverse and complex, and our understanding of phage-bacteria interactions is still in its infancy. It's also crucial to consider potential risks and challenges, such as the possibility of bacteria developing resistance to phages, the potential for phages to transfer harmful genes between bacteria, and the need for robust regulation and quality control in phage production.

Targeting Phage Therapy 2023 material & videos on demand

For those interested in accessing the materials and videos from the conference, the organizers offer the opportunity to request access to the replay and abstracts book. Additionally, conference recordings are available on demand for a period of three weeks. This allows participants and others interested in the field of phage therapy to catch up on the details and insights shared during the conference.

Targeting Phage Therapy 2023 awards

Martha Clokie Editor in Chief of PHAGE Journal was awarded the Phage Therapy 2023 Best Scientific Contribution for her presentation: Challenges and Opportunities for Bacteriophage Therapy.

PHIOGEN's CEO was awarded the Phage Therapy 2023 Best Scientific Innovation for their technology platform: "Creating Patient Ready Products in a Remedy Ready World".

Targeting Phage Therapy 2023 Best Short Oral: Bacteriophage-Antibiotic Combination to Allow Liver Transplantation by Brieuc Van Nieuwenhuyse from UC Louvain, Belgium.

Targeting Phage Therapy 2023 Best Poster: Thermostable Bactericidal Endolysin Discovery by Pantiora Panagiota from the Agricultural University of Athens, Greece.