Building a phage library in Lebanon to fight microbial resistance
As a result of the continuous rise in the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threat, and the emergence of resistance against some last resort antibiotics, alternative options have been recruited in the worldwide fight against AMR. Bacteriophages were among the primary candidates due to their effectiveness in killing bacterial cells. Although bacteriophages continue to lack drug approval in Western medicine, an increasing number of patients are being treated on an expanded-access emergency investigational new drug basis. Bacteriophage therapy relies on the use of lytic phages as it aims to treat infections as quickly and effectively as possible. This novel therapeutic approach may be used complementary or as an alternative to antimicrobials, thus reducing the threat of the constantly emerging antimicrobial resistance.  Aims: The long-term goal of our research is to find a new strategy and approach for treating drug-resistant bacteria. Our objective is to create a bacteriophage library and to streamline the production of high-quality and clinically safe phage preparations with high-quality standards. We aim to isolate novel bacteriophage strains from the environment and assess their biological features. Furthermore, we aim to optimize phage characteristics and improve their specificity, infectivity, and stability via rapid evolution. Finally, we aim to produce phage products that meet the safety and efficacy demands for human and animal clinical use under the regulations covering Good Manufacturing Practices. Ultimately, this project intends to create a ready-to-use tool, a phage product, that meets high standards for expanded access, and such might be pivotal in saving someone's life and would have a very high impact in the region.