Bacteriophages (phages) are natural bacteria specific viruses that are becoming an important adjunct to antibiotics in a landscape of rising global antibiotic resistance. The Phage Australia Biobank at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research houses a collection of phages that are well characterised with customised annotated whole genome sequencing and aims to address the diversity of pathogens causing infections in the community.
Phage therapy can be given in Australia under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Special Access Scheme as a precision medicine when antibiotics alone fail. The STAMP1 study is utilizing our curated set of therapeutic phages to screen for specificity against bacterial isolates from patients being considered for phage therapy. So far, 25 patients have been treated with locally produced phages from this collection (44 batches from a master seed lot), and therapeutic monitoring has shown promising results in eradicating infections. The biobank also supports the monitoring of patients undergoing phage therapy by collecting biospecimens to assess phage pharmacokinetics, human host immune responses, and microbiome analysis.
We aim to enrich our collection through a large bioprospecting program where we engage with the community to aid in the discovery of new phages to target a broader range of pathogens and ensure preparedness for future outbreaks. We have already been able to isolate phages from various sources in the local area including the Parramatta River and sewage from Westmead Hospital. Our collaboration with the Australian Group on Antimicrobial Resistance as part of Australia’s national surveillance program will enable us to identify high-value phages that target priority strains. Community engagement through citizen science and education resources as well collaboration with industry partners and the NSW State Government are important aspects in working towards a sustainable biobank that can support the needs of phage therapy both locally and internationally.