Steven Theriault, founder of biotech company Cytophage.

In the quest to combat antibiotic resistance, Steven Theriault has turned to cutting-edge bacteriophage research. According to CBC News, Theriault and his biotech company Cytophage work with phages—viruses that bind to bacteria and inject genetic information, multiplying within the host bacteria to destroy them. While phages are highly specific to individual hosts, Cytophage has broadened the spectrum of their phages, modifying them to attack a diverse range of bacteria.

It is estimated 70 per cent of global antibiotics are used in animals, an alarming contribution to the steady rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Although Theriault and his team had initially worked to address antibiotic resistance amongst humans, they soon extended their research into the agricultural sector.

Cytophage’s most recent stride forward is the development of FarmPhage, a bacteriophage cocktail effective against E. coli and salmonella in chickens. Trials at the University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization demonstrated a 92 per cent survival rate for chickens infected with E. coli.

Chickens treated in FarmPhage’s Bangladesh trials showcased remarkable results, including a 22 per cent increase in protein content and a 12 per cent reduction in required food for growth. Notably, the treated chickens exhibited better survival rates during a flu outbreak compared to their untreated counterparts.

Theriault aims to introduce FarmPhage to global markets. Though Canada’s drug regulations pose a challenge to FarmPhage’s Canadian distribution, FarmPage has been submitted for approval in the U.S.

In the interim, Theriault and his team have developed a practical solution: freeze-drying and packaging their FarmPhage cocktail into doses that can be added to chickens’ drinking water. This innovative approach ensures a longer shelf life without the need for refrigeration, facilitating distribution to regions like Bangladesh and Africa.