UK issues first guidance for phage therapy in fight against AMR

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published the UK’s first official guidance on phage therapies - treatments that use viruses to target antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

This landmark guidance paves the way for safer, clearer development and use of phage therapies, offering hope for patients with infections resistant to conventional antibiotics.

Dr Jason Clark, Chief Scientific Officer at NexaBiome Life Sciences, welcomed the move: “This is the first time a regulatory agency has provided specific guidance on phage therapy, positioning the UK as a global leader in this field. It offers a clear path forward for developing these promising treatments at a time when antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat.”

The MHRA’s proactive approach follows recommendations from parliamentary inquiries and highlights phages’ potential as alternatives or complements to traditional antibiotics - and even as a foundation for personalised medicine

As phage therapy advances, this guidance could accelerate its integration into mainstream healthcare, marking a significant step in tackling the global AMR crisis.

More information online.