FULL DISCLOSURE: This is sponsored content for Cytophage Technologies.
Cytophage Technologies (TSXV: CYTO) announced a landmark agreement this morning that will see the establishment of Manitoba’s first Phage Clinical Treatment Program. The program will aim to offer new options for patients to manage antibiotic-resistant infections.
The program is set to be established in partnership with the Orthopaedic Innovation Centre at the Concordia Hip & Knee Institute in Winnipeg. Initially, the partnership will target prosthetic joint infections, which follows Cytophage’s successful single subject clinical trial conducted earlier this year. The venture aims to combine Cytophage’s experience in bacteriophage development with OIC’s leadership in orthopaedic research to drive the adoption of bacteriophage therapy.
READ: Cytophage: Landmark Phage Therapy Saves Ottawa Woman From Life-Threatening Infection
For Cytophage, the partnership is said to be a key aspect of its roadmap towards a scalable model of phage therapy development. Cytophage intends to conduct early case validation through a series of compassionate use cases, which will enable the company to treat patients with prosthetic joint infections that have proven to be resistant to traditional therapies.
Data collected from the treatment of these initial cases will be used as the foundation of an investigational new drug application, which is a precondition to launching phase 1 clinical trials. Once completed, the company will then use the validated data and refined protocols it has developed to scale its efforts to include up to five more clinical centres across the country.
“Together, we are going to finally expand the use of phage therapy in our healthcare system. By generating clinical data through this collaboration, we are validating it as a real treatment option, expanding patient access while reducing cost for the healthcare system,” commented Dr Steven Theriault, CEO of Cytophage.
The partnership is expected to help prioritize the identification and recruitment of patients for trials, while at the same time create a long-term framework for commercialization of phage-based treatments. The refinement of treatment protocols, optimization of manufacturing processes, and engagement with academic healthcare centres as part of this roadmap is also expected to ensure that Cytophage’s phage therapy is commercially competitive.
Cytophage has also said that it will explore licensing, co-development, and direct sales to maximize its market penetration.
Cytophage Technologies last traded at $0.31 on the TSX Venture.
FULL DISCLOSURE: Cytophage Technologies is a client of Canacom Group, the parent company of The Deep Dive. Canacom Group is currently long the equity of Cytophage Technologies. The author has been compensated to cover Cytophage Technologies on The Deep Dive, with The Deep Dive having full editorial control. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security.
