Phage therapy, long overshadowed by antibiotics, is now experiencing a real resurgence of interest. Faced with the alarming rise in bacterial resistance, researchers around the world are turning again to bacteriophages—viruses capable of targeting and destroying specific bacteria. But where does the research truly stand today? Here is an overview of the most notable advances from recent years.

1. Clinical trials are rapidly expanding

For decades, phage therapy remained limited to personalized treatments, often outside traditional clinical pathways. Today, several clinical trials are underway in Europe, the United States, Australia, and Asia. Some target chronic respiratory tract infections, while others focus on infected wounds or antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infections.

A striking example is the PhagoBurn clinical trial, launched by the European Defence Agency, which studied the effectiveness of phages in burn wound infections. Although the results were limited by production constraints, the trial demonstrated that phages can be manufactured at large scale under strict pharmaceutical standards.
See the results of PhagoBurn

2. Genetically modified phages: toward tailor-made viruses

Thanks to advances in genetic engineering, researchers can now modify phages to make them more effective. Some work aims to broaden their spectrum of activity, while other efforts seek to strengthen their ability to eliminate biofilms—highly resistant layers of bacteria that form on wounds, implants, or catheters.

Laboratories such as those at MIT or Yale are developing “enhanced phages” capable of targeting multidrug-resistant bacteria with surgical precision.

3. Artificial intelligence for phage selection

Another major development is the use of artificial intelligence to speed up the identification of phages that are effective against a specific bacterial strain. Algorithms analyze genetic databases to predict which phages are most likely to succeed. This can significantly shorten the time between diagnosis and personalized treatment.

4. Toward regulatory recognition

While research is progressing, regulatory recognition remains a challenge. However, things are evolving: in 2023, France launched an experimental framework allowing phage prescriptions in certain hospitals. Belgium has also integrated phage therapy into its healthcare system through a specialized pharmacy.
Find out more about Belgian regulations

Pressure is growing for agencies such as the EMA or the FDA to establish clear, appropriate frameworks.

And in practice?

All these advances show that phage therapy is entering a new phase: more structured, more scientific, and increasingly accessible. Yet even today, one of the few places where it is practiced in a supervised manner, with expertise and experience, remains Georgia.

For more than 100 years, the Eliava Institute in Tbilisi has treated patients from all over the world thanks to a personalized approach and unique phage banks.

Are you considering phagotherapy?

If you or a loved one is facing an antibiotic-resistant infection, you may consider treatment at the Eliava Institute in Georgia. Our team supports patients at every step: preliminary assessment, medical consultation, and travel arrangements.
Find out how to organize your treatment

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