In the fight against antibiotic-resistant superbugs, Steven Theriault, a Winnipeg-based scientist, believes he has the key: bacteriophages, viruses that target and destroy bacteria. However, despite the potential to save lives and transform agriculture, Theriault faces a daunting hurdle—Canada's stringent regulatory system.
A former paramedic turned molecular genetics and virology Ph.D., Theriault founded Cytophage, aiming to harness bacteriophages to combat antibiotic resistance. is groundbreaking research revolves around manipulating and engineering these viruses, enabling them to target a spectrum of bacteria. The potential of this breakthrough isn't just revolutionary; it's potentially life-saving.
"Bacteriophages can't harm humans or animals; they're specific to attacking bacteria," Theriault explains, countering concerns about their safety. He emphasizes their potential to tackle a global health crisis highlighted by the World Health Organization: antibiotic resistance, responsible for nearly five million deaths annually.
Theriault's research isn't limited to human health. He's expanded into agriculture, developing FarmPhage, a bacteriophage cocktail that proved highly effective in trials. In chickens infected with E. coli, the survival rate soared to 92 percent, a stark contrast to the mere 8 percent survival rate in untreated birds. Moreover, treated chickens in Bangladesh showed enhanced growth, needing less food and reaching maturity quicker.
However, Theriault's journey towards implementing this innovative solution faces a formidable obstacle—Canada's stringent regulatory system. While Theriault's bacteriophage-based treatments show promise, navigating through existing regulations, primarily designed for chemical drugs, presents insurmountable challenges.
Regulatory roadblocks hindering approval
One of the regulatory hurdles involves Health Canada's requirement for field trials that necessitate the slaughtering of treated animals, a practice that Theriault and advocates vehemently oppose on ethical grounds. Their argument rests on the safety and lack of residue these bacteriophages leave in meat products, challenging the conventional notion of their classification as traditional drugs.
Lauren Carde, an expert in regulatory affairs, echoes this sentiment, advocating for flexibility in regulatory frameworks. She argues that products like FarmPhage, with their minimal risk profile and absence of residues in meat, should not be subject to the same stringent regulations as traditional drugs.
Meanwhile, Canadian producers keenly watch these developments, recognizing potential opportunities once the technology gains regulatory approval. Wayne Hiltz from Manitoba Chicken Producers sees promise but highlights the regulatory barrier as a significant impediment to progress.
Theriault's workaround involves freeze-drying FarmPhage, ensuring a longer shelf life and facilitating distribution to regions without refrigeration capabilities. The goal: treating millions of chickens monthly in Bangladesh, a move poised to save lives and improve food security.
However, despite the pressing need to combat the global antibiotic resistance crisis, Theriault remains ensnared by regulatory constraints. His hope rests on a paradigm shift, one that allows innovative solutions like bacteriophages to swiftly combat superbugs threatening both human health and agriculture.
Originally published on Interesting Engineering : Original article