Considerations and perspectives on phage therapy from the transatlantic taskforce on antimicrobial resistance

This paper argues that as antibiotic resistance grows and development of new antibiotics lags, bacteriophages (viruses that kill bacteria) are increasingly seen as a promising alternative or complementary therapy. The authors point out that despite a long history of phage therapy in some countries, broad clinical use remains hampered by scientific, industrial, and regulatory obstacles.

Based on deliberations among experts across TATFAR member nations, the article outlines key challenges: differences in regulatory frameworks between countries, a lack of robust data from randomized controlled trials, and manufacturing bottlenecks. It also highlights two main approaches under discussion — standardized “fixed” phage products and personalized phage therapy (tailored to the patient’s infection using phage banks) — and the different regulatory and logistic implications these approaches carry.

Finally, the authors call for increased international collaboration, harmonization of regulations, and renewed investment in phage-therapy research and clinical trials — arguing this could accelerate development, broaden access, and help integrate phage therapy into a global response against antimicrobial resistance.