In this episode, we welcome back Prof. Joana Azeredo a leading researcher at the Center of Biological Engineering. She played a crucial role in the recent approval of phage therapy in Portugal. We discuss the regulatory framework, phage production challenges, hospital applications, and how Portugal’s model compares to Belgium’s.

We also explore the impact of public awareness on regulatory changes, engineered phages, and Joana’s insights into future advancements in phage therapy.

At the end, we talk about the upcoming International Symposium on Advances in Phage Therapeutics happening in Braga this June.

Enjoy the episode!

Check the 1st International Symposium on Advances in Phage Therapeutics, set to take place, between the 16-17th of June 2025, in Braga (Portugal) . Deadline for abstracts 15th February. symposium: https://skyros-congressos.pt/PhageTherapy/

Phage therapy requests and email contact: [email protected]

Episode Chapters:

00:03 - Introduction

Welcome to Phage Cast! Brief overview of today’s guest and topic.

00:12 - Guest Introduction: Professor Joana

Background on Prof. Joana’s research in bacteriophages, biofilms, and genetic engineering.

02:05 - What Was Approved in Portugal?

A breakdown of the phage therapy approval in hospitals and its regulatory framework.

03:30 - How Will Phage Therapy Work?

Explaining the hospital process, prescription guidelines, and phage production standards.

06:42 - Are Hospitals Ready for Phage Therapy?

Discussion on hospital infrastructure, required equipment, and production logistics.

08:40 - Who Can Produce Phages?

Explaining quality control standards and the differences between GMP and non-GMP production.

12:06 - Funding & Public Healthcare Support

How Portugal’s public hospitals finance phage therapy and accessibility considerations.

14:41 - How to Push for Phage Therapy in Other Countries

Prof. Joana shares insights into the regulatory approval process and public advocacy strategies.

19:16 - Safety of Non-GMP Phages

Why the Belgian model ensures high safety and quality standards without GMP certification.

23:05 - Importance of Public Awareness

How media exposure led to public support and political action in Portugal.

25:19 - Treating Patients Since 2022

Success stories from phage therapy cases, including a notable Mycobacterium abscessus patient.

28:26 - Can International Patients Be Treated in Portugal?

Discussion on access for non-Portuguese patients under the new regulation.

29:09 - Future of Phage Engineering

Exploring how engineered phages can enhance treatment effectiveness and regulatory challenges.

31:57 - Phage Adaptation Strategies

How phages can be evolved to improve efficacy in chronic infections.

32:59 - Closing Remarks & Symposium Invitation

Details on the International Symposium on Advances in Phage Therapeutics in Braga.

34:20 - Outro

Final thoughts