Center for Innovative Phage Applications and Therapeutics

Research center focused on phage therapy

Official logo of the Center for Innovative Phage Applications and Therapeutics

The Center for Innovative Phage Applications and Therapeutics (IPATH) is a pioneering research center dedicated to the study and application of bacteriophages in the treatment of bacterial infections. Located at the University of California, San Diego, IPATH is at the forefront of developing phage therapy as a viable alternative to traditional antibiotics, particularly in the face of rising antibiotic resistance.

History

IPATH was established in 2018 as a response to the growing need for alternative treatments to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. The center was founded by Dr. Steffanie Strathdee and Dr. Robert Schooley, who were inspired by a successful phage therapy case that saved Dr. Schooley's life. This event highlighted the potential of phage therapy and led to the creation of a dedicated center to advance research and clinical applications.

Research and Development

IPATH focuses on several key areas of research:

• Phage Discovery and Characterization: The center is involved in the discovery of new bacteriophages from various environments. These phages are characterized to understand their specificity, efficacy, and potential as therapeutic agents.

• Clinical Trials: IPATH conducts clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of phage therapy in treating bacterial infections. These trials are crucial for gaining regulatory approval and integrating phage therapy into mainstream medical practice.

• Phage Engineering: Researchers at IPATH are exploring genetic engineering techniques to enhance the effectiveness of phages, including improving their ability to target specific bacterial strains and overcome bacterial defenses.

Collaborations

IPATH collaborates with various institutions and organizations worldwide to advance phage therapy research. These collaborations include partnerships with other universities, research centers, and biotechnology companies. The center also works closely with regulatory bodies to navigate the complex landscape of phage therapy approval.

Impact and Future Directions

The work at IPATH has significant implications for the future of infectious disease treatment. By providing an alternative to antibiotics, phage therapy has the potential to revolutionize the way bacterial infections are treated, particularly those caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. The center aims to expand its research and clinical applications, ultimately making phage therapy a standard option in the medical arsenal against bacterial infections.

Related pages

• Bacteriophage
• Antibiotic resistance
• Phage therapy
• University of California, San Diego