Cytophage Technologies Ltd. (TSXV: CYTO, FSE: 70G) has launched a European-based pilot study for its flagship product AviPhage, marking a significant step toward entering the European poultry market. The 35-day trial on broiler chickens aims to generate critical data for European Medicines Agency (EMA) product approval, with results expected within 60 days.
AviPhage, a bacteriophage-based solution for poultry, has demonstrated multiple benefits including improved gut health, increased bird weight, better feed conversion ratios, reduced disease symptoms, and lower mortality rates.
Trial Design and Objectives
The pilot study will evaluate key performance indicators including mortality rates, feed conversion efficiency, weight gain, and disease manifestation. Researchers will compare outcomes between the AviPhage treatment group and a control group to demonstrate the product's efficacy.
Following the initial trial, Cytophage plans to conduct a larger study in a European commercial barn setting to validate AviPhage's performance under real-world conditions. The combined data will support the company's regulatory submission to the EMA and facilitate market entry across the European Union.
Dr. Steven Theriault, CEO of Cytophage, expressed confidence in the product's potential: "We continue to strategically collect data required for our product approval in the EU. We have every confidence that AviPhage will prove to be a product that farmers will want to use in their barns to improve and maintain the health of their flocks. Fewer mortalities and healthier birds positively impact the bottom line for poultry producers."
Strategic Market Opportunity
The European Union represents a particularly attractive market for Cytophage's bacteriophage technology. All EU member countries have implemented bans on using antibiotics for disease prevention and growth promotion in livestock, creating significant demand for effective alternatives.
With annual production exceeding 6 billion broiler chickens, the EU poultry sector offers substantial commercial potential for AviPhage. The product addresses growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which the World Health Organization predicts will become the leading cause of human mortality by 2050.
Bacteriophage Technology as an Antibiotic Alternative
Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically target and eliminate bacteria without affecting other organisms. Cytophage has enhanced these natural bacterial predators through environmental and genetic modifications to create safe, toxin-free solutions for bacterial management.
The company's approach aligns with global trends restricting preventative antibiotic use in animal production. Beyond the EU, countries including the United States, Canada, Brazil, Bangladesh, India, and Mexico have implemented similar restrictions, while consumer demand for antibiotic-free and organic products continues to rise worldwide.
Company Background
Cytophage Technologies is a Canadian biotechnology company specializing in bacteriophage research, product development, and commercialization. The company utilizes patented technology to develop innovative products that harness bacteriophages to combat bacterial infections affecting human health, animal health, and food security.
As a leading bacteriophage manufacturer in Canada with an extensive strain library, Cytophage is positioned at the forefront of addressing antimicrobial resistance challenges. The company's initial focus on animal health applications provides a pathway to near-term revenue while addressing critical global health concerns.
The company recently filed its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024, which are available on sedarplus.com.
