Public Funding for Oxford Silk Phage Technologies Limited

In this project, OSPT is aiming to evaluate the feasibility of its technology integrating bacteriophage viruses, as an implantable bioactive textile device for cardiovascular applications. The device will be expected to reduce the risk of infections when using implants in cardiac surgery. Work will include the design and test of a first implantable prototype, as well as the planning and budgeting of the future route to market. By the end of the project if successful, OSPT will be in a position to apply for further funding to reach clinical trial readiness, the next step before first in man.

Oxford Silk Phage Technologies (OSPT) is developing a disruptive platform technology using bacteriophages to actively prevent medical device and implant infections, a growing concern in the current context of global threatening antimicrobial resistance. Building upon its proof-of-concept work, OSPT will use its bacteriophage bio-textile technology to design and produce a disruptive, non-toxic device actively preventing infections and migration of the most problematic bacteria within wounds. The prototype equipment developed in previous OSPT grants to manufacture the material will here be upscaled to increase continuous production yield for this project and ahead of clinical trial production needs. The lower risk first product will be a stepping-stone for subsequent implantable and more challenging application of OSPT's technology. Collaboration of two bacteriophage expert academic groups at Exeter and Hertfordshire universities will be critical in isolating, selecting and characterising bacteriophages against 4 major drug-resistant pathogens. In parallel, the academic collaborators will develop strategies the render GMP production of phages more cost-effective, significantly reducing future manufacturing costs. Hertfordshire university will also adapt an ex-vivo model of skin to optimise and test the devices ahead of final biological evaluations, which will take the project to clinical trial phase readiness. The final delivery will be prototype devices successfully tested, with a clinical trial dossier and plan for GMP production at IUK-CPI's new microbiome centre.

OSPT is developing a first of a kind silk-bacteriophage biomaterial for medical devices and implants, to reduce the risk of surgical site infections in patient populations most at risk. Medical device infections are the most devastating complications following surgical procedures, and the current standard of care involves treatment with antibiotics following diagnostic. The only preventative antimicrobial technologies on the market are silver, general antimicrobials or antibiotic coatings, all associated with potential toxicity to human health and the environment. The objective of this project is to de-risk the technology, by demonstrating proof-of-concept of a first device and refining the route to market. The outputs of this project will help OSPT establish partnerships with larger companies and raise the next phase of funds to reach clinical trial readiness. OSPT is developing a platform technology and this project represents the first stepping stone to the pipeline of products in many surgical fields.