Bacteriophages (or "phages") represent a totally different approach to antimicrobial treatment and offer the potential to treat a wide range diseases caused by the emergence of resistant bacterial strains.

Biocontrol intends to develop the commercial potential of its products through licensing partners on a global basis. Biocontrol will develop its lead products through phase to III clinical development, at which time global and/or regional partners will be sought.

In the meantime, Biocontrol welcomes approaches from interested partners, as well as companies wishing to co-develop Biocontrol's technology in other ways.

Biocontrol is focusing internal development of its proprietary phage technology on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Resistant strains of this pathogen are now a leading cause of a variety of life-threatening infections that can no longer be controlled using traditional antibiotics:-

• Biocontrol has demonstrated clinical proof of concept for the use of its phage product in the treatment of ear infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and is currently preparing to initiate a pivotal phase III study for this indication.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa is also the cause of the often fatal respiratory infections associated with Cystic Fibrosis. We are currently developing an inhalation version of its product to be used to treat such infections
• The initial phage products developed by Biocontrol also have the potential to be formulated and used in a variety of other topical infection models, such as burns, wounds and surgical infections as well as urinary tract infections.
• The technology would also be suitable for use as a coating on surgical dressings etc as a means of reducing infection.

Using its world lead in the clinical development of phage technologies along with an extensive library of phage products, Biocontrol is able to rapidly develop effective products targeting other resistant bacterial species such as Clostridium difficile.

Initial studies have indicated that bacteriophages can work synergistically with traditional antibiotics, enabling products to be effective against otherwise resistant strains. We would be keen to work with partners to help revitalise existing antibiotic products.

If you would like to know more about Biocontol's technology with a view to collaborating on future developments please email David Scott, Commercial director.