Spread of antibiotic resistance revives interest in bacteria-killing viruses

Bacteria-killing viruses can provide a crucial extra tool in the fight against antibiotic resistance, researchers believe — leading to increased interest in their use, alongside the development of new drugs. Bacteriophages, or phages, were first discovered and used to treat infection about a century ago. But they were quickly supplanted by antibiotic drugs, which are easier to make and can work against many different bacteria. Estimates of the size of the phage market today range from $42mn to $1.1bn — much smaller than the roughly $43bn market for antibiotics.

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