About us
Who we are
P.H.A.G.E. stands for Phages for Human Applications Group Europe.
We are an international non-profit organization aiming to support phage research and phage therapy and to develop a specific regulatory framework for phage therapy in Europe.
Founded in 2009 as a way to explore and develop a sustainable alternative to the threatening appearance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, our membership grew to almost 300 members as of February 2013.
Our members are typically scientists, medical doctors and specialists in the fields of health economics and legal, regulatory or quality control matters.
P.H.A.G.E. consists of members that share an interest in the development of phage knowledge and phage application (prophylactic as well as therapeutic). Its members are originating from EU member states or from abroad, but its work is restricted to the EU. The work area comprises activities on the European policy level. Members are typically scientists, medical doctors, and specialists in the fields of health economics, legal-, regulatory- or quality control-matters.
Our Purpose
At our core, we are driven by collaboration, innovation, and excellence. We have forged strong partnerships with leading research institutions, healthcare organizations, and regulatory bodies across Europe. Together, we are pioneering the advancement of phage therapy and research.
With a rich history of breakthroughs in phage research, we have been at the forefront of advocating for the development of a specific regulatory framework for phage therapy in Europe. Our journey has been marked by a steadfast commitment to driving progress and making a tangible difference in the field of phage therapy.
Our dedication to advancing phage therapy is unwavering. We are relentless in our pursuit of establishing phage therapy as a widely recognized and accessible treatment option. Our work is underpinned by an unyielding spirit and an unshakable belief in the transformative potential of phage therapy.
We are here to revolutionize the landscape of phage therapy and make a lasting impact on healthcare. Join us in shaping the future of phage therapy in Europe and beyond.
Our Goals
The P.H.A.G.E. association aims to develop a specific regulatory framework for the use of bacteriophages (phages).
Phages are Nucleic Acid containing virus-like particles that are completely harmless to humans. They are however extremely selective and efficient bacterial killers. They are the only mechanisms capable of controlling the natural bacterial populations. They co-evolve with the bacteria and this in the strict Darwinian sense of the word. When resistance against a phage ensues, mutations in the phage genome can undo this resistance in the matter of days to weeks. As such, phages are potentially important and sustainable disinfecting (phage prophylaxis) and antibiotic (phage therapy) agents.
The goals of P.H.A.G.E. are:
- Build consensus, coordination and guidance, within the EU, regarding
- the definition of a specific legal framework for phage therapy and phage prophylaxis;
- the definition of the application fields of phage therapy and phage prophylaxis;
- the creation of a broad technical and scientific base for phage applications, with an emphasis on production standards (GMP protocols).
- Offer streamlined information to the authorities and their partners by:
- performing a financial analysis (cost-benefit) on the European and national (for some countries) level;
- helping standardize fundamental research, pre-clinical experiments and clinical trials in order to obtain timely, reliable and relevant results (safety, efficacy, niche applications,..).
- Act as one of the interlocutors with the regulatory authorities for the specific categorization of phage therapy, and this on the European as well as on the member state level.
- Promote the conception and realization of fully controlled clinical trials under the supervision of leading Ethical Committees, in order to obtain reliable and relevant (pre-)clinical data, and this through:
- the exchange of individual phages or phage repertoires;
- the exchange of study protocols;
- the enlargement of studies into (international) multi-centric studies;
- assuring that all clinical trials obtain the approval from leading Ethical Committees.
- Promote and facilitate the gathering and the spread of objective phage knowledge through:
- the exchange of well-characterized phages and phage-related data between partners;
- the coordination and reinforcement of transnational research projects;
- helping generate and augment funding for phage therapy or phage-related fundamental research;
- the organization of coordination meetings, scientific reunions and study days.
- Facilitate the communication between scientists, clinicians, the public and the industry.
