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Frequently Asked Questions

Let us know if you have any other questions:  info@openphage.com

What are bacteriophages?

Bacteriophages, or phages in short, are virulent viruses that specifically target and kill bacteria. They serve as a promising alternative treatment for bacterial infections, particularly those resistant to conventional antibiotics. .

How phage therapy works?

Phages seek out and attach to specific bacteria, inject their DNA, and make copies of themselves inside the bacterial cell. Once enough new phages are made, the bacterium bursts open, releasing more phages to target other harmful bacteria. Check it out!

Phage_exploding_bac_long.png

Can phages infect a person?

No. Phages infect bacteria, not human cells. 

They are highly specific and need bacterial features to attach and replicate, so they cannot grow inside human cells. This is one reason phages are being explored as targeted tools against bacterial infections.

In fact, many phages naturally live in and on our bodies, where they are helping shape and balance our microbiome.

How can I access phage therapy in Australia?

In Australia, phage therapy is accessed through STAMP, the Standardised Treatment and Monitoring Protocol for adults and paediatric patients. Coordinated through the Phage Australia network, STAMP supports treatment under Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration Special Access Scheme and standardises treatment monitoring and safety data collection.

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https://www.phageaustralia.org/patient-information

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