Bacteriophage Therapy: Advances in Formulation Strategies and Human Clinical Trials

Annu Rev Virol. 2015 Nov;2(1):599-618. doi: 10.1146/annurev-virology-100114-054915.

Abstract

Recently, a number of phage therapy phase I and II safety trials have been concluded, showing no notable safety concerns associated with the use of phage. Though hurdles for efficient treatment remain, these trials hold promise for future phase III clinical trials. Interestingly, most phage formulations used in these clinical trials are straightforward phage suspensions, and not much research has focused on the processing of phage cocktails in specific pharmaceutical dosage forms. Additional research on formulation strategies and the stability of phage-based drugs will be of key importance, especially with phage therapy advancing toward phase III clinical trials.

Keywords: bacteriophage therapy; biotechnology; phage therapy clinical trial; pharmaceutical dosage formulation; stability.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacteriophages / genetics
  • Bacteriophages / physiology*
  • Biological Therapy / instrumentation
  • Biological Therapy / methods
  • Biological Therapy / trends*
  • Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic
  • Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic
  • Humans