New Partnership Between Cytophage, Orthopedic Innovation Centre Targets Prosthetic Joint Infections Using Phage Therapy

Click Image To View Full SizeCytophage CEO Dr. Steven Theriault (left) with OIC President and CEO Trevor Gascoyne (right) at the signing ceremony.

WINNIPEG, December 12 2024 – TheNewswire – Cytophage Technologies (‘Cytophage’ or ‘the Company’) (TSXV: CYTO; FSE: 70G) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Orthopaedic Innovation Centre at the Concordia Hip & Knee Institute. The two organizations will jointly launch Manitoba’s first Phage Clinical Treatment Program, offering patients new options for managing antibiotic-resistant infections where traditional antibiotics have failed.

The partnership will initially focus on prosthetic joint infections – one of the most devastating complications of joint replacement surgeries, often requiring prolonged treatment, multiple revision surgeries, or even amputation. By combining Cytophage’s expertise in bacteriophage development with OIC’s leadership in orthopaedic research, the partnership aims to expand the adoption of bacteriophage therapy, integrating it into mainstream medical practice for treating prosthetic joint infections.

“Together, we are going to finally expand the use of phage therapy in our healthcare system,” said Dr. Steven Theriault, CEO of Cytophage Technologies. “By generating clinical data through this collaboration, we are validating it as a real treatment option, expanding patient access while reducing cost for the healthcare system.”

Trevor Gascoyne, President and CEO of the Orthopaedic Innovation Centre, celebrated the launch of the partnership, saying: “Prosthetic joint infections are among the most difficult infections to treat. By joining forces with Cytophage, we are addressing this critical need and advancing patient care with cutting-edge science.”

A review in the New England Journal of Medicine reported the lifetime cost of such an infection in the hip is US$391,000 (CAD$553,851) and that annual hospital costs for these hip and knee infections will reach nearly US$2 billion (CAD$2.83 billion) by 2030.

Next Steps

This first partnership is an important milestone in the company’s roadmap towards a scalable model of phage therapy development:

1. Patient Recruitment and Early Case Validation: Cytophage and OIC will prioritize the identification and recruitment of patients with prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) that have proven resistant to traditional antibiotic therapies. These initial cases will be treated under compassionate use/N=1 protocols, allowing patients to benefit from this life-saving treatment as soon as possible, while generating valuable data on its safety.

2. Accelerated Trial Planning: This data will form the foundation of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application, an important precondition for launching Phase 1 clinical trials.

3. Multi-Centre Trial Rollout: With a foundation of validated data and refined protocols, Cytophage will scale its efforts to include up to five more clinical centres across Canada.

In addition to providing clinical validation, this partnership will help create a long-term framework for commercialization of Cytophage’s phage-based treatments. By refining patient treatment protocols, optimizing manufacturing processes, and engaging directly with academic healthcare centres like OIC, Cytophage will ensure that its bacteriophage solutions are not only scientifically validated but also commercially competitive. The company will explore licensing, co-development, and direct sales strategies to maximize market penetration.

About Cytophage

Cytophage Technologies (TSXV:CYTO; FSE: 70G) is a pioneering biotechnology company dedicated to bacteriophage research, product development and commercialization. Committed to addressing the global challenge of antibiotic resistance, Cytophage advances innovative products that harness the power of bacteriophages to combat bacterial infections affecting human health, animal health, and food security.

About the Orthopaedic Innovation Centre (OIC)

Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Orthopaedic Innovation Centre is a leader in orthopaedic research, development, and implant evaluation. OIC is dedicated to improving patient outcomes through innovation and collaboration, from the benchtop to the bedside.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Simon Bredin ([email protected])
Trevor Gascoyne ([email protected])

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