Category: Congress Info

Jean-Paul Pirnay Wins Best Scientific Contribution at Phage Therapy 2024

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The Targeting Phage Therapy 2024 Best Scientific Contribution award was discerned to:

Jean-Paul Pirnay, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, Belgium

Dr. Pirnay, an active scientific board member, concluded the conference and presented an insightful presentation titled “Magistral Phage Preparations – Is This the Model for Everyone?”

In his presentation, Dr. Pirnay explored:

🔹 Phage therapy as a tool against antimicrobial resistance
🔹 Challenges with industrially manufactured phage products
🔹 Belgium’s national framework for personalized phage products
🔹 Potential for other countries to adopt similar frameworks

Dr. Pirnay’s extensive expertise in phage therapy and antimicrobial resistance continues to drive innovations in personalized phage treatments. His significant contributions to the field and the conference have been invaluable.

Congratulations to Dr. Pirnay on his well-deserved award and for advancing the field of personalized phage therapy.

You can learn about Dr. Pirnay’s insightful research to benefit from his experience in the Targeting Phage Therapy 2024 Replay and Abstracts Book.

Targeting Phage Therapy 2024 Congress
7th World Conference
June 20-21, 2024 – Malta

Engineered M13 Bacteriophage for Cancer Therapy Wins Best Short Oral at Phage Therapy 2024

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The Targeting Phage Therapy 2024 Best Short Oral Presentation award (2) was discerned to:

Nanobiotechnological Engineering of the M13 Bacteriophage for Targeted Photodynamic Cancer Therapy
Alena Kaltenbrunner, University of Bologna, Italy

Her study developed recombinant M13 phages displaying nanobodies specific to cancer markers EGFR and Her2, and conjugated with photosensitizers. These engineered phages demonstrated high specificity and efficacy in targeting and eradicating cancer cells through light-induced cytotoxicity, showcasing their potential as innovative tools for cancer treatment.

Ms. Kaltenbrunner stated: “As a PhD student at the University of Bologna’s Molecular Biotechnology Lab under the guidance of Alberto Danielli, my research is centered on the nanobiotechnological engineering of the M13 bacteriophage for targeted photodynamic cancer therapy (PDT). We have successfully developed several highly specific phages targeting different overexpressed cancer markers. Our preliminary results in 2D cultures are very promising and our future steps involve testing this therapy in 3D cultures to pave the way for a novel, less toxic, and highly specific alternative cancer treatment.”

You can learn about this inspiring finding and talk in Targeting Phage Therapy 2024 Replay and Abstracts Book.

Targeting Phage Therapy 2024 Congress
7th World Conference
June 20-21, 2024 – Malta

Immune Response to Nebulized Phage Therapy in Cystic Fibrosis Patients Wins Best Short Oral at Phage Therapy 2024

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The Targeting Phage Therapy 2024 Best Short Oral Presentation award was discerned to:

Neutralizing Antibodies After Nebulized Phage Therapy in Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Marco Pardo-Freire, University of Valencia, Spain

His research demonstrated that nebulized phage therapy significantly reduces bacterial load in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients with lung infections and highlighted the emergence of phage-neutralizing antibodies, emphasizing the need for long-term immune response monitoring. Learn more.

Currently, as part of his PhD, Mr. Pardo-Freire is focused on the study and understanding of micobacteriophages for use in therapy, including different species of Mycobacterium such as Mycobacterium abscessus to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but he is also involved in the development of new compassionate use treatments with phages in Spain. 

You can learn about this inspiring finding and talk in Targeting Phage Therapy 2024 Replay and Abstracts Book.

Targeting Phage Therapy 2024 Congress
7th World Conference
June 20-21, 2024 – Malta

Phage-Based Tool for Treating Antibiotic-Resistant Gonorrhea Wins Best Poster at Phage Therapy 2024

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The Targeting Phage Therapy 2024 Best Poster Presentation award was discerned to:

Development of Phage-based Tool with the Potential to Treat Antibiotic-Resistant Gonorrhea
Magdalena Pelka, University of Warsaw, Poland

Ms. Pelka’s research focused on developing a phage-based tool to treat antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea. Her work involves isolating and characterizing phages with lytic activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, aiming to provide an effective alternative to traditional antibiotics.

The project of fighting against antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea has several approaches. The research group including Ms. Pelka aim to find a lytic phage against Neisseria by screening environmental samples. Another approach is selecting and synthesizing prophage-encoded proteins with potential antimicrobial activity.

Ms. Pelka stated: “So far we’ve screened wastewater samples against wild-type, commensal, mutant and clinical Neisseria strains. We also performed optimization of obtaining the first two lytic proteins (depolymerases). Our research shows that both approaches have the potential to result with a phage-based tool working against gonorrhea. In the near future we will improve the screening process, making it more high-throughput and extensive. We will also enhance the molecular work by optimizing expression and purification of the proteins, as well as further testing, also on human cells for cytotoxicity.”

You can learn about this insightful discovery and well executed poster in Targeting Phage Therapy 2024 Abstracts Book.

Targeting Phage Therapy 2024 Congress
7th World Conference
June 20-21, 2024 – Malta

Abstracts Book of Targeting Phage Therapy 2024 is Now Available

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The Targeting Phage Therapy 2024 Abstract Book has been released. 

You can now gain access to the abstracts of 40 communications, featuring major talks, short orals, and posters, highlighting advancements in phage therapy.

Phage Therapy 2024 Communications

You can learn more about the communications in the conference program: www.phagetherapy-site.com/Program.

How to Access Abstracts Book

Order the abstracts book and unlock the DOI: https://buy.stripe.com/eVa8Aoeez5aKdDG5kP

Advances in Phage Therapy and Antimicrobial Strategies: Insights from Oral Presentations 2024

Advances in Phage Therapy and Antimicrobial Strategies: Insights from Oral Presentations 2024

Posted on by Targeting Phage Therapy

The rising threat of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections has spurred extensive research into alternative therapeutic strategies. Bacteriophages (phages), viruses that infect bacteria, have emerged as a promising tool in combating resistant pathogens. The recent collection of oral presentations provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in phage therapy and antimicrobial research.

Oral Presentation Summaries and Scientific Impacts 

1. Phage Resistance Characterization of a Phage Cocktail Targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa Associated to Lung Infections
Clara Leandro, Technophage, Portugal

This study characterizes the resistance profiles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to a specific phage cocktail.

Impact: Aids in optimizing phage cocktail formulations for better clinical outcomes in treating lung infections.

2. Bacteriophage Genome Annotation: Comparing Automatic and Manual Approaches
Antoine Culot, Rime Bioinformatics, France

This presentation compares different methods for annotating bacteriophage genomes.

Impact: Enhances the accuracy and efficiency of genome annotation, which is vital for phage research and therapy development.

3. Nanobiotechnological Engineering of the M13 Bacteriophage for Targeted Photodynamic Cancer Therapy
Alena Kaltenbrunner, University of Bologna, Italy

This research explores the engineering of M13 bacteriophage for use in targeted photodynamic cancer therapy.

Impact: Represents a novel approach to cancer treatment, leveraging phage technology for targeted therapy.

4. High-Throughput Time-resolved Measurement of Phage Infection Cycles in Individual Cells
Somenath Bakshi, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

This study develops a high-throughput imaging assay to track the steps of infection cycle from individual phages in individual cells of bacteria in timelapse manner. 

Impact: This assay enables kinetic profiling of phage-bacteria interactions, which can be used to screen for resistance mechanisms in bacteria towards specific phages or to screen for effective phages to target specific bacteria.

5. Bacteriophage Host Ranges: A Key to the Two Therapy Strategies
Ivan M. Pchelin, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Russia

This study investigates the host ranges of bacteriophages and their implications for therapy strategies.

Impact: Provides insights that can inform the selection and use of phages in therapeutic contexts.

6. The Burden of Resistance: a Comprehensive Analysis of V. harveyi Mutants Resistant to Phages
Stavros Droubogiannis, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Greece

This study analyzes the resistance mechanisms of V. harveyi mutants to phages.

Impact: Enhances understanding of phage resistance, contributing to better management strategies in marine and medical contexts.

7. Bacteriophage-based Cleaning Approaches to Eradicate Salmonella infantis in Broiler Farms
Sandra Sevilla, Centro de Calidad Avícola y Alimentación Animal de la Comunidad Valenciana, Spain

This research presents phage-based cleaning methods to eliminate Salmonella infantis in poultry farms.

Impact: Offers a sustainable and effective solution for improving biosecurity in the poultry industry.

8. Production of Phage Products for Various Applications
Frenk Smrekar, JAFRAL’s CEO, Slovenia

This presentation discusses the production processes and applications of various phage products.

Impact: Showcases the commercial potential and diverse applications of phage products in medicine and industry.

9. Efficacy of Mycobacteriophage D29 Against Intracellular Mycobacterium smegmatis
Daria Smalchuk, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, Spain

This study investigates the effectiveness of Mycobacteriophage D29 in targeting and killing intracellular Mycobacterium smegmatis, a model organism for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Impact: This research provides critical insights into the use of phages to target intracellular bacterial pathogens, potentially revolutionizing treatments for diseases like tuberculosis. The ability to effectively target intracellular pathogens represents a significant advancement in phage therapy, addressing a challenging aspect of infectious disease treatment.

10. Neutralizing Antibodies After Nebulized Phage Therapy in Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Marco Pardo-Freire, University of Valencia, Spain

This study examines the production of neutralizing antibodies in cystic fibrosis patients undergoing nebulized phage therapy.

Impact: Understanding immune responses to phage therapy can help optimize treatments, making them safer and more effective for chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis. The ability to nebulize phages for respiratory conditions, and the understanding of the immune response, is highly innovative and holds promise for treating other chronic respiratory infections.

11. Hydrogel Beads for Targeted/Controlled Phage Delivery in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Farzaneh Moghtader, TiPHAGE San.Tic, Turkey

This research presents the development of hydrogel beads designed for targeted and controlled delivery of phages in the gastrointestinal tract.

Impact: Enhances the efficacy and precision of phage therapy for gastrointestinal infections. The innovation of using hydrogel beads for controlled release in the GI tract is a significant advancement, ensuring that phages are delivered effectively to the site of infection, which can improve therapeutic outcomes and reduce side effects.

12. Successful Phage Treatment in a Cystic Fibrosis Patient with Acute Rejection Following Two Bilateral Lung Transplants
Mireia Bernabeu-Gimeno, Universitat De València, Spain

This case study reports the successful use of phage therapy to treat a cystic fibrosis patient experiencing acute rejection after lung transplants.

Impact: Demonstrates the potential of phage therapy in complex clinical scenarios, offering hope for patients with limited treatment options.

13. Bridging to Lung Transplantation: Personalized Phage Therapy for a Cystic Fibrosis Patient Infected with Burkholderia multivorans
Evgenii Rubalskii, Hannover Medical School, Germany

This study explores the use of personalized phage therapy to manage Burkholderia multivorans infection in a cystic fibrosis patient awaiting lung transplantation.

Impact: Highlights the importance of personalized medicine and the role of phage therapy in managing resistant infections pre-transplantation.

 14. Bacteriophages as Commercial Tools for the Treatment of Civilization Skin Disorders Like Acne or Eczema
Vendula Ficelová, Aumed, Czech Republic

This study explores the use of bacteriophages in treating common skin disorders such as acne and eczema.

Impact: Offers a novel, natural alternative to traditional treatments for widespread dermatological conditions.

15. Determining the Main Causes of Phage Resistance in Clinical Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Cindy Fevre, Phaxiam Therapeutics, France

This research identifies the primary mechanisms behind phage resistance in clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Impact: Provides crucial information for developing strategies to overcome phage resistance, improving phage therapy effectiveness.

DOI Allocation for Targeting Phage Therapy 2024 Abstracts

DOI Allocation for Targeting Phage Therapy 2024 Abstracts

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It is a great pleasure to announce that all abstracts submitted to the 7th World Conference on Targeting Phage Therapy will be included in the Abstracts Book 2024, assigned with a DOI (Digital Object Identifier).

Why a DOI?

A DOI ensures that your abstracts are indexed on major academic platforms such as ORCID, Google Scholar, Scopus, and more. This significantly enhances the visibility of your research, making it easier to cite and share within the scientific community.

DOI of Phage Therapy 2023 Abstracts

Abstracts Book 2023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.60738/2h54-fz27.

Submit your Abstracts to secure a DOI

You still have time to submit your abstracts for short oral and poster presentations: https://phagetherapy-site.com/abstract-submission/.

Selected Poster Presentation – Targeting Phage Therapy 2024

Selected Poster Presentation – Targeting Phage Therapy 2024

Posted on by Targeting Phage Therapy

The rising threat of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections has spurred extensive research into alternative therapeutic strategies. Bacteriophages (phages), viruses that infect bacteria, have emerged as a promising tool in combating resistant pathogens.

Poster Summaries and Scientific Impacts

1. Development of Phage-based Tool with the Potential to Treat Antibiotic-Resistant Gonorrhea
Magdalena Pelka, University of Warsaw, Poland

The research explores the potential of a phage-based tool to treat antibiotic-resistant Gonorrhea.

Impact: With antibiotic options dwindling, phage therapy offers a critical alternative, addressing the urgent need for new treatments against resistant Gonorrhea.

2. Phage-antibiotic Combination Therapy Against Recurrent Pseudomonas septicaemia in a Patient with an Arterial Stent
Saija Kiljunen, University of Helsinki, Finland

The study examines the efficacy of combining phage therapy with antibiotics to treat recurrent Pseudomonas infections in patients with arterial stents.

Impact: Phage-antibiotic synergy offers a promising approach to overcoming persistent infections, particularly in patients with medical implants, where traditional treatments often fail.

3. Elucidating Key Steps of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection by DEV Lytic Phage for Phage Therapy
Jimena Nieto Noblecía, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Italy

This study focuses on the key steps involved in the infection process of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by a lytic phage.

Impact: Understanding the infection mechanisms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa can improve the design and implementation of phage therapy protocols, crucial for treating this highly resistant pathogen.

4. Phage-Encoded Proteins with Antimicrobial Activity Against Klebsiella pneumoniae
Monika Adamczyk-Popławska, University of Warsaw, Poland

This study investigates phage-encoded proteins with potential antimicrobial properties against *Klebsiella pneumoniae, a common hospital-acquired pathogen.

Impact: The discovery of new antimicrobial proteins could lead to novel treatments, reducing the reliance on traditional antibiotics and combating drug-resistant infections.

5. Flow Cytometry as a Tool for Monitoring the Course of a Staphylococcal Phage Abortive Infection at the Single Cell Level
Lucie Kuntová, Masaryk University, Czech Republic

This research utilizes flow cytometry to study phage infections at the single-cell level, providing detailed insights into the dynamics of staphylococcal infections.

Impact: Advanced monitoring techniques like flow cytometry can enhance our understanding of phage-bacteria interactions, leading to more precise and effective therapeutic strategies.

6. Genomic and Structural Characterization of Novel Macrococcus Siphovirus that will Likely Represent a New Subfamily Within Caudoviricetes
Ivana Maslanova, Masaryk University, Czech Republic

 The poster presents the discovery and characterization of a novel phage, potentially representing a new subfamily within the Caudoviricetes order.

Impact: Expanding our knowledge of phage diversity and genomics can facilitate the development of new phage-based applications in both medical and industrial contexts.

7, Polymicrobial Interactions in Urinary Tract Infections and Their Impact on Phage Therapy
Stéphane Pont, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland

This research investigates if interspecies interactions affect phage efficiency in UTI-mimicking conditions.  

Impact: Using bladder microtissues to identify if phage therapy can be applied upon polymicrobial colonization could foster the clinical use of bacteriophage upon mixed-species infections.

8. Synergistic Action of RCHAPK With Antibiotics Against MRSA and Its Application in an in Vivo Murine Wound Model
Semra Tasdurmazli, Yildiz Technical University, Turkey

This study investigates rCHAPk both its synergistic effect with antibiotics against MRSA and its therapeutic efficiency in a murine wound model.

Impact: Demonstrating synergy between endolysins and antibiotics could lead to new combinatory therapies, as well as emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of phage-derived enzymes may improve treatment outcomes for MRSA infections.

9. Antibacterial Activity of Holin Proteins
Hande Hancer, Yildiz Technical University, Turkey

This poster explores the antibacterial properties of holin proteins, which play a crucial role in the lysis mechanism of bacteriophages.

Impact: Understanding the function of holin proteins can aid in the development of new antibacterial agents, potentially leading to innovative treatments for bacterial infections.

10. Strategy for Purification of the Staphylococcus aureus Bacteriophages
Rostislav Halouzka, MB Pharma, Czech Republic

The research focuses on developing efficient purification methods for bacteriophages targeting Staphylococcus aureus.

Impact: Enhanced purification techniques can improve the efficacy of phage therapy, making it a viable alternative for treating antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.

11. Characterization and Therapeutic Potential of a Newly Isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa Phage from Wastewater
Tinatini Tchatchiashvili, Jena University Hospital, Germany

12. Expanding Host Range from Unrelated Phages Using Appelmans Protocol: Interactions and Underlying Genetic Mechanisms
Dongeun Yong, Microbiotix Co., Ltd, South Korea

13. Characterization TP-84 Bacteriophage Endolysin and Its Potential Application in Biotechnology
Piotr Skowron, University of Gdansk, Poland

14. Ex Vivo Pig Lung as a New Cystic Fibrosis Model for the Study of the Phage Therapy Against
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Biofilm Infection
Marco Cafora, University of Milan, Italy

Meet the Industries Attending Targeting Phage Therapy 2024

Meet the Industries Attending Targeting Phage Therapy 2024

Posted on by Targeting Phage Therapy

Targeting Phage Therapy 2024 gathered 15+ key players in the phage therapy industry to showcase. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions on the latest research, regulatory landscapes, and successful case studies in phage therapy.

 Attendees had the opportunity to learn about advancements in phage selection, manufacturing, and production, which are crucial for the development and implementation of effective phage therapies.

 This event marked a unique opportunity to drive forward the science and application of this transformative therapy.

Targeting Phage Therapy 2024 Attendees: https://phagetherapy-site.com/slide/who-is-attending-targeting-phage-therapy-2024/. 

Dr. Schooley’s call to action: Elevating phage therapy trials through strategic translational research

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The 7th World Conference on Targeting Phage Therapy was organized on June 20-21, 2024 at Corinthia Palace Malta.

Robert T. Schooley, M.D., Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Diego, and Co-Director of the Center for Innovative Phage Applications and Therapeutics and member of the Executive Committee for the University of California Disaster Resilience Network, will introduced Phage Therapy 2024 with a key note talk titled “Phage Therapeutics 2024: Essential Translational Research Components for Clinical Trials.

Dr. Schooley will highlighted the pivotal moment that phage therapy research finds itself in. With Phase 2 studies transitioning to Phase 3 trials, he stresses the critical need for a unified approach in integrating translational research components into clinical trials to ensure their success and meaningfulness.

Dr. Schooley critiqued the current trend in trial design, which often aims narrowly at achieving clinical endpoints for regulatory approval, yet lacks the depth to provide insights or guidance should the trial not meet its objectives.

He referenced the instructive case of one study, which, despite its failure, offered valuable lessons due to its comprehensive assessment approach. This study revealed significant insights post hoc, such as issues with microbiology, phage-phage antagonism, and dilution effects, which were not addressed upfront. These revelations underscore the necessity of including detailed evaluations in clinical trials to verify that phages reach the infection site in effective quantities and intervals, to monitor the development of resistance during the study, and to assess the impact of phage-specific antibodies on treatment efficacy.

Dr. Schooley’s message is a call to action for the phage therapy research community to adopt a more thorough and insightful approach in clinical trials. This includes the implementation of substudies to document key aspects of phage therapy application and the development of consensus protocols for evaluating phage-specific immunity, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) relationships, and phage resistance mechanisms. Such measures are vital for understanding why certain therapeutic interventions succeed or fail, enabling researchers to refine and improve treatment strategies.

In advocating for this approach, Dr. Schooley highlights a fundamental challenge: the repetition of past mistakes due to a lack of comprehensive analysis and learning from failed trials. Without addressing this issue, the field risks stagnation, unable to leverage cumulative experience to accelerate progress. His passionate plea underscores the importance of not just aiming for short-term successes in phage therapy research but also building a robust and insightful framework that enhances the field’s overall efficacy and resilience.