Respirable bacteriophages for the treatment of bacterial lung infections

J Aerosol Med Pulm Drug Deliv. 2013 Dec;26(6):317-35. doi: 10.1089/jamp.2012.1001. Epub 2013 Apr 18.

Abstract

This review article discusses the development of respiratory therapeutics containing bacteriophages indicated for lung infections, specifically those that have become increasingly difficult to treat because of antibiotic resistance. Recent achievements and remaining problems are presented for each step necessary to develop a bacteriophage-containing dosage form for respiratory drug delivery, including selection of appropriate bacteriophages for therapy, processing and purification of phage preparations, formulation into a stable, solid dosage form, and delivery device selection. Safety and efficacy studies in animals and human subjects are also reviewed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Bacterial Infections / therapy*
  • Bacteriophages* / pathogenicity
  • Biological Therapy / methods*
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial
  • Humans
  • Lung / microbiology*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / microbiology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / therapy*
  • Virulence

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents