Phage Therapies Competitive landscape

DelveInsight’s, “Phage Therapies - Competitive landscape, 2025,” report provides comprehensive insights about 20+ companies and 22+ drugs in Phage Therapies  Competitive landscape. It covers the therapeutics assessment by product type, stage, route of administration, and molecule type. It further highlights the inactive pipeline products in this space.  

Geography Covered

• Global coverage

Phage Therapies: Understanding

Phage Therapies: Overview

Phage therapy is an innovative approach to treating bacterial infections using bacteriophages – viruses that specifically infect and destroy bacteria. This method leverages the natural ability of phages to target and kill bacteria without harming human cells, offering a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics. Phage therapy has gained renewed interest in recent years due to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which pose a significant global health threat. Unlike broad-spectrum antibiotics, phages are highly specific to their bacterial hosts, minimizing collateral damage to the body’s normal microbiome.

The mechanism of action in phage therapy involves phages binding to the surface of bacterial cells, injecting their genetic material, and replicating within the host. This replication leads to the lysis (bursting) of the bacteria, releasing new phages that continue the infection cycle until the bacterial population is eradicated. Each phage strain typically targets a specific bacterial species or strain, making it essential to match the right phage to the infectious agent. This specificity reduces the risk of off-target effects but requires thorough identification of the bacterial pathogen through diagnostic testing.

Advantages of phage therapy include its ability to overcome antibiotic resistance, as phages can evolve alongside bacteria, preventing the development of long-term resistance. Additionally, phage therapy can be used in combination with antibiotics to enhance treatment efficacy. This synergistic approach can disrupt biofilms – protective layers formed by bacteria – which are often resistant to antibiotics alone. Phages are also naturally abundant in the environment, allowing for the potential discovery of new phage strains to address emerging bacterial threats.

Challenges and limitations include the need for personalized phage preparations, as not all phages are effective against all bacterial strains. Regulatory hurdles and the lack of standardized protocols for phage therapy have also slowed its widespread adoption. Moreover, the immune system may recognize and neutralize phages, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness. Despite these challenges, phage therapy has shown promising results in compassionate use cases for patients with multidrug-resistant infections that do not respond to conventional treatments.

Future prospects for phage therapy are encouraging, with ongoing research focusing on developing phage cocktails, genetically engineered phages, and combination therapies. Clinical trials are exploring the efficacy of phages in treating infections such as chronic wounds, respiratory diseases, and sepsis. As the threat of antibiotic resistance grows, phage therapy could play a crucial role in addressing this crisis, offering a targeted, adaptable, and sustainable solution to bacterial infections.

Report Highlights

• In December 2024, PHAXIAM Therapeutics a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments for severe and resistant bacterial infections, announced the clinical results of the PhagoDAIR I pilot study, demonstrating an excellent phage safety profile and a 74% infection control rate in the Phages arm for patients who received a single intra-articular injection, consistent with clinical data that observed in patients treated on a compassionate basis. 
• In August 2024, Locus Biosciences recently reported positive pharmacokinetic and safety data from the first part of the ongoing Phase II trial of CRISPR-edited phage therapy candidate LBP-EC01. LBP-EC01 is being developed as a novel treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant and multi-drug-resistant E. coli. 
• In July 2024, Armata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that it has received an additional $5.25 million of non-dilutive funding pursuant to a previously announced Department of Defense grant, received through the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC) and managed by the Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC) – Naval Advanced Medical Development (NAMD) with funding from the Defense Health Agency and Joint Warfighter Medical Research Program. The grant was awarded to Armata to support clinical development of its optimized phage candidate, AP-SA02, as a potential treatment for complicated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia.
• In March 2024, BiomX Inc., a clinical-stage company advancing novel natural and engineered phage therapies that target specific pathogenic bacteria, announced the acquisition of Adaptive Phage Therapeutics, Inc. (“APT”), a U.S.-based privately-held, clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering the development of phage-based therapies to combat bacterial infections, and its previously announced $50 million private placement to certain institutional accredited investors, which was led by affiliates of Deerfield Management Company and the AMR Action Fund, and additional investors including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, OrbiMed and Nantahala Capital.

Phage Therapies: Company and Product Profiles (Pipeline Therapies)

1. Company Overview: Locus Biosciences

Locus Biosciences is creating a new class of precision biotherapeutics with clinical-stage, engineered bacteriophage treatments for a diverse set of bacterial and microbiome/inflammatory diseases. A world-leading bacteriophage discovery, synthetic biology, and manufacturing platform powers the company. Locus engineer’s bacteriophage – naturally occurring viruses that target bacteria – to: 1) kill pathogenic bacteria, while sparing good bacteria, through programmable, precision anti-bacterials with CRISPR-Cas3; and 2) utilize bacteria resident in the body to deliver therapeutic molecules to reduce inflammation or induce other biotherapeutic effects. Its artificial intelligence and machine-learning based discovery engine is targeting bacteria across therapeutic areas including infectious disease, immunology, and oncology. Multiple non-dilutive strategic partnerships validate the company’s platform and programs. These include anti-bacterial alliances with Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) for its lead Phase II/III asset; and Combatting Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Accelerator (CARB-X).

Product Description: LBP-EC01

LBP-EC01 is a Locus crPhage therapy in development for the treatment of urinary tract infections and other infections caused by the pathogen Escherichia coli (E. coli). It is a bacteriophage cocktail engineered with a CRISPR-Cas3 construct targeting the E. coli genome. The precision medicine product works through a unique dual mechanism of action utilizing both the natural lytic activity of the bacteriophage and the DNA-targeting activity of CRISPR-Cas3. Laboratory tests and small animal models of urinary tract infection have demonstrated LBP-EC01 is significantly more effective at killing E. coli than corresponding natural bacteriophages, and LBP-EC01 met all primary and secondary endpoints and demonstrated safety and tolerability in a Phase 1b trial. LBP-EC01 is currently being evaluated in a registrational Phase II/III trial for the treatment of UTIs caused by E. coli.

2. Company Overview: Armata Pharmaceuticals

Armata Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of precisely targeted bacteriophage therapeutics for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant and difficult-to-treat bacterial infections. Antibiotic overuse has led to the marked rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria, putting us on the verge of a post-antibiotic era in which common infections can be serious or life-threatening. Additionally, the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics is known for disrupting the ecology of the human microbiome, leading to disease. To combat the rapidly growing global problem of drug-resistant bacterial infections, Armata is using its proprietary bacteriophage-based technology.

Armata is headquartered in Marina Del Rey, California, in a 35,000 square foot facility built for phage product development with capabilities spanning bench to clinic. Microbiologists, dedicated to the discovery of natural phages, are complemented by a team of scientists that harness the natural power and diversity of these phages through synthetic biology and engineering. In-house formulation development allows tailoring of the drug product to an indication, and Armata’s cGMP drug manufacturing suites and Quality Unit enable the production, purification, testing and release of clinical trial material. All of this is embedded in a seasoned team of professionals with extensive clinical development experience.

Product Description: AP-PA02

AP-PA02 is a therapeutic phage cocktail that targets the pathogen P. aeruginosa, to treat serious respiratory infections, with an emphasis on patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). AP-PA02 is comprised of a cocktail of natural P. aeruginosa phages originating from distinct families and subfamilies, targeting multiple receptor classes, functioning with compatibility and cooperativity, and further characterized by being highly potent and having a broad host range.

AP-PA02 is developed as a sterile liquid formulation, suitable for delivery by inhalation. The clinical trial material of AP-PA02 is manufactured under cGMP at Armata’s production facility in Marina Del Rey, California. Currently, the drug is being evaluated in the Phase II stage of its development of Bronchiectasis and Pseudomonal infections.

3. Company Overview:  SNIPR Biome

SNIPR Biome is a clinical stage company developing precision medicines for vulnerable patients with difficult-to-treat conditions. The company is pioneering a novel use of CRISPR/Cas technology to better treat and prevent human diseases through precision killing of bacteria or gene modification. SNIPR Biome is a leader in this transformational area of science, with a clinical trial underway, strong IP, and a diverse and experienced team. SNIPR Biome is the first company to orally dose humans with a CRISPR therapeutic and the first company to have been granted a patent for the use of CRISPR for targeting microbiomes. In addition, SNIPR has developed a platform that uses CRISPR technology to achieve gut-directed gene therapy. SNIPR is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Product Description: SNIPR 001

SNIPR001, a CRISPR-armed bacteriophage cocktail, is the company's first development candidate targeting E. coli in patients with hematological malignancy at risk of neutropenia. SNIPR001 is being developed in collaboration with the non-profit organisation CARB-X. The aim is to target E. coli bacteria in the gut,  and thereby prevent translocation of these bacteria from the gut into the bloodstream, while leaving the commensal bacteria in the patient's microbiome unaffected. 

This precision medicine approach is harnessing a novel application of SNIPR BIOME's proprietary CRISPR/Cas technology, hereby potentially transforming the way E. coli infections are prevented and treated, especially in the cancer ward. Currently, the drug is in the Phase I stage of its development for the treatment of Escherichia coli infections.

Further product details are provided in the report……..

Phage Therapies Analytical Perspective by DelveInsight

• In-depth Commercial Assessment: Phage Therapies Collaboration Analysis by Companies

The Report provides in-depth commercial assessment of drugs that have been included, which comprises collaboration, agreement, licensing and acquisition – deals values trends. The sub-segmentation is described in the report which provide company-company collaboration (licensing/partnering), company academic collaboration and acquisition analysis in tabulated form.

• Phage Therapies Competitive Landscape 

The report comprises of comparative assessment of Companies (by therapy, development stage, and technology).

Phage Therapies Report Assessment

• Company Analysis
• Therapeutic Assessment
• Pipeline Assessment
• Inactive drugs assessment
• Unmet Needs

Key Questions

• Current Treatment Scenario and Emerging Therapies:
• How many companies are developing Phage Therapies drugs?
• How many Phage Therapies drugs are developed by each company?
• How many emerging drugs are in mid-stage, and late-stage of development for the treatment of Phage Therapies?
• What are the key collaborations (Industry–Industry, Industry–Academia), Mergers and acquisitions, licensing activities related to the Phage Therapies therapeutics? 
• What are the recent trends, drug types and novel technologies developed to overcome the limitation of existing therapies? 
• What are the clinical studies going on for Phage Therapies and their status?
• What are the key designations that have been granted to the emerging and approved drugs?