Paris – 20.06.2026: The Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL) have received regulatory approval to produce therapeutic phages. These bacteriophages are viruses that specifically infect and destroy bacteria without damaging human cells. They represent a promising alternative to combat infections resistant to conventional antibiotics.
The development of phage therapy at HCL began in 2017 with the PHAGEinLYON program. The goal was to improve access to phage therapy in France by providing pharmaceutical-grade phages. In 2021, the PHAG-ONE project received funding of 2.85 million euros from the National Research Agency (ANR). This project focused on producing phages against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Escherichia coli.
The authorization to produce therapeutic phages is an important step forward in the fight against antibiotic resistance. This advancement allows HCL to manufacture and directly use phages, thereby expanding treatment options for patients suffering from multi-resistant infections. It also strengthens the independence of the French healthcare system in manufacturing innovative therapies.
HCL has already gained experience in the use of phage therapy. As part of the PHAGEinLYON program, 26 patients were treated with this method in 2022. These clinical experiences contributed to the development and validation of phage therapy.
The production of therapeutic phages at HCL is carried out according to strict quality standards. The FRIPHARM® platform is responsible for the manufacturing and quality control of the phages. It ensures that the phages meet the required pharmaceutical standards and are safe for clinical use.
The authorization to produce therapeutic phages is a key milestone in the fight against antibiotic resistance. It opens new perspectives for treating infections that conventional antibiotics can no longer control. HCL thus gives significant momentum to the development of innovative therapies in the field of infectious diseases.
The use of phage therapy could be particularly important for patients suffering from chronic or difficult-to-treat infections. Thanks to the specific action of phages on bacteria, side effects could be reduced and therapeutic outcomes improved. Moreover, the availability of locally produced phages could strengthen supply security and reduce dependence on international supply chains.
In summary, the authorization to produce therapeutic phages at the Hospices Civils de Lyon represents a major advance for medical research and therapy. It illustrates France’s commitment to innovative medicine and highlights the importance of Lyon research centers in the development of new treatment methods.