First phage therapy center in the U.S. signals growing acceptance

First phage therapy center in the U.S. signals growing acceptance

Researchers explore phage therapy for wider use 

Phages are viruses that seek out and destroy bacteria, and researchers are hoping their microbial ravenousness can be harnessed to clear up antibiotic-resistant infections. Phage therapies have been deployed in limited cases in the U.S., but now, researchers at UCSD are launching a clinical trial in collaboration with AmpliPhi Biosciences to test a phage combination in patients whose implanted heart pumps are infected by Staph bacteria. In the early stage trial, the phage treatment will be provided along with antibiotic therapies.