The UK government has launched a £1m sandbox fund to support work researching how bioengineering can help tackle antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Antimicrobial resistance, when bacteria becomes less susceptible to antibiotics, is a major global health concern though to already be responsible for more than one million deaths every year, a figure expected to grow without meaningful action.
An area of research showing promise in this area is the study of bacteriophages, a class of virus that can destroy bacteria. It has been theorised that by engineering bacteriophage products, researchers could design them to target antimicrobial-resistant bacteria without harming humans.
The funding will go towards the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which will work with acedemic and industry partners as well as government agencies to improve the regulation of engineered bacteriophage.
“British science turned the tide of the battle against disease, with the discovery of penicillin, and whilst new antibiotics are being discovered we need to look for alternatives. This work on bacteriophages will be a vital part of that,” said Science Minister Lord Vallance.
Health and Innovation Minister Dr Zubir Ahmed added: “Our 10 Year Health Plan recognises how antimicrobial resistance is one of the most serious threats to public health, both in the UK and globally – and commits to urgently tackling its spread, including through new vaccine based treatments.
“This investment will help bring forward innovative new treatments – harnessing viruses to destroy antibiotic-resistant bacteria. London is the place where a Scottish physician nearly 100 years ago first fought bacteria with antibiotics, it could now be the place where the next battle of antibiotic resistant bacteria is also won.”
