Inventory of the current developments in genetically modified bacteriophages

The use of bacteriophages, for example as an alternative to antibiotics, has been of interest for several years. Until recently, bacteriophage therapy mainly took place in countries outside the EU, but in recent years clinical studies have also been conducted in EU member states. In addition to clinical applications, bacteriophages can also be used for other applications, such as combating bacteria in food. The use of genetic modification in this field appears to be on the rise. COGEM expects to receive an increasing number of requests for advice in the coming years about genetic modification of and applications with GM bacteriophages. In preparation for this, COGEM commissioned a research project aiming to provide an inventory of the current developments surrounding genetic modification of bacteriophages.