Advancing the fight against antibiotic resistance with nature’s original solution
- Phage UK - The UK Clinical Network for Phage therapy
Advancing the fight against antibiotic resistance with nature’s original solution
Advancing the fight against antibiotic resistance with nature’s original solution
Advancing the fight against antibiotic resistance with nature’s original solution
Phage UK's Clinical Network for Phage Therapy has established 5 national clinical focus groups to help clinicians assess and advance the use of bacteriophage therapy for patients who have run out of bacterial infection treatment options. Each of the 5 MDT is composed of a core group of clinicians from across the UK with recognised experience in managing complex infections :
1-Bone and Joint Infections
2-Cardiac and Vascular Implants
3-Respiratory Infections
4-Urinary tract infections
5-Paediatrics
NHS England has formally recognised the need for novel therapeutic approaches in complex musculoskeletal infections, particularly those involving antimicrobial resistance or those with limited treatment options.
In alignment with this, the UK Clinical Network for Phage Therapy was established in 2023. This initiative builds on recommendations from the UK 5-Year Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy (2024–2029), the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee (SITC) 2023 review of bacteriophage therapy and strategic direction from UKHSA, MHRA and NICE.
The Network was established to provide national infrastructure and transparent clinical governance for the personalised use of bacteriophages in difficult-to-treat infections.
These biological agents are capable of targeting specific bacterial pathogens and may provide an alternative option in cases where conventional antibiotics or surgical options have failed. The aim is to deliver coordinated, high-quality care across regions without displacing existing clinical expertise.
A core function of the Network is the National MDT, which acts as an expert panel to assess the suitability of phage therapy in individual cases. The MDT draws on infectious diseases consultants, microbiologists, disease specific clinicians, pharmacists and international collaborators. Its purpose is to ensure that treatment decisions are safe, evidence-informed and consistent with national governance frameworks.
Phage therapy is not yet a routine part of NHS care. However, this Network represents a strategic first step towards integrating phage therapy into mainstream infectious disease practice to ensure that patients with otherwise untreatable infections have access to safe, targeted, and innovative care.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.