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European subsidy for Phageguard to develop alternatives to antibiotics in animal health

Roy Andries
May 16th, 2017
Reading time 4 min
Publishing date May 16th, 2017

European subsidy for Micreos Food Safety B.V. to develop alternatives to antibiotics in animal health

Dutch biotechnology company Micreos Food Safety B.V. (Phageguard) has been granted a European (EFRO) subsidy to develop solutions set to replace antibiotics in animals and reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the food chain, including animal feed. Wageningen University and three other Dutch companies, including Nutreco, participate in the €6 million project.

Zoonoses are diseases and infections that are naturally transmitted between vertebrate animals and humans. According to the WHO at least 61% of all human pathogens are zoonotic, and have represented 75% of all emerging pathogens during the past decade. Overuse of antibiotics is contributing to the development of highly resistant bacteria, which can spread from animals to humans.

The global “One Health” approach, which requires interdisciplinary collaborations and communications in all aspects of health care for humans, animals, and the environment, will support public health in general.

Mark Offerhaus, Micreos group CEO: “ Scientists believe the overuse of antibiotics in livestock endangers the availability of effective antibiotics for mankind. Antibiotics do not distinguish between bad and good bacteria, and their use induces resistance. Targeted solutions based on phage- and endolysin technology can help replace antibiotics in many areas, including animal feed and – health, and contribute to a reduction in mortality and disease among animals”.

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Phage- & Endolysin Technology

Phage- & endolsyin technology are based on the bacterial killing mechanisms developed by phages over billions of years. Phages are the most abundant micro-organisms on our planet. They are harmless to humans, animals and plants and are naturally present in high numbers on our skin, in our gut and our environment. Phage technology enables selective killing of only unwanted bacterial species, whilst leaving the beneficial bacteria intact. It is applied in an increasing number of areas, including human health, animal health and food safety.