Past and present phage therapy research and practice in the Czech Republic – contribution to phage therapy in Europe

Abstract

Renewed interest in bacteriophage therapy, driven by the global rise of antimicrobial resistance, is accelerating efforts to establish its rational, evidence-based use in clinical practice. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the historical milestones, current status, and potential of phage applications in the Czech Republic. We show that the country has built on a long tradition of phage therapy, integrating academic research, industrial capabilities, and clinical practice. Since 2000, more than 30 competitively funded projects have addressed key challenges in phage safety, genomic characterization, formulation, delivery, phage-antibiotic synergy, and GMP-compliant manufacturing. Clinical translation is advancing through named-patient basis treatments and the ongoing trials. Beyond human medicine, phage applications have also been explored in veterinary medicine, food safety, and agriculture. Overall, the evidence reviewed indicates that the country has established substantial expertise and infrastructure for phage research and implementation, positioning it as an important European contributor to the development of phage therapy. In a concluding discussion, this review identifies key priorities for sustainable access to phage preparations and the broader integration of phage-based interventions into healthcare systems within the rapidly evolving European regulatory framework.