Phagos Secures $29 Million to Advance Bacteriophage Therapy for Livestock

What's Happening?

Phagos, a biotech company based in Paris, has successfully raised €25 million ($29 million) in a Series A funding round to further develop its bacteriophage drugs. These drugs are designed to treat bacterial diseases in animals and potentially humans, offering a sustainable alternative to antibiotics. The funding will be used to deploy these treatments, starting with animal health, and to enhance the company's technology for discovering new treatments. The investment round was led by CapAgro, Hoxton Ventures, CapHorn, and Demeter, with participation from several other investors. This development comes amid growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which the World Health Organization warns could cause millions of deaths globally in the coming decades.

Why It's Important?

The advancement of bacteriophage therapy by Phagos is significant in the context of global health challenges, particularly antimicrobial resistance. As traditional antibiotics become less effective, alternative treatments like phage therapy are crucial. Phagos' approach, which uses phages to target specific bacterial strains without harming other cells, could revolutionize how bacterial infections are treated in both animals and humans. This could have a profound impact on food security and animal welfare, as well as human health. The company's focus on animal health could also address issues related to food production and safety, which are critical as the global population continues to grow.

What's Next?

Phagos plans to use the Series A funding to expand its veterinary phage therapy applications and further develop its Alphagos platform, which combines microbiology and artificial intelligence. The company aims to establish phage therapy as a global standard for treating bacterial infections, with potential applications in human health in the future. Phagos is also looking to expand its operations internationally, targeting markets in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. As the company progresses, it may face regulatory challenges and will need to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of its treatments to gain broader acceptance.