LOCUS BIOSCIENCES

Phage therapy, recognized over 100 years ago, is making a comeback for treating antibiotic-resistant infections and other diseases. Advances include CRISPR engineering, AI-mediated methodologies, and naturally evolved phages. Companies like Locus Biosciences and Phiogen are developing optimized phage cocktails and off-the-shelf products. Trobix Bio uses nonlytic phages to deliver therapeutic payloads into bacteria for treating cancer and inflammatory diseases. Tolka AI Therapeutics integrates AI for scalable phage therapy design and manufacturing, targeting complex pathogens like Mycobacterium abscessus.

CRISPR technology, including CRISPR-Cas9, CRISPR-Cas12, and CRISPR-Cas13, is revolutionizing genome editing. FDA approved the first CRISPR-Cas9 drug, Casgevy®, for sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia. Other applications include treating urinary tract infections, hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis, hereditary angioedema, cardiovascular diseases, type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, HIV, and blood cancers. Challenges include cost, regulatory standards, and ethical considerations.

CRISPR-based therapies have achieved a milestone with the approval of Casgevy for sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia. Despite financial pressures and clinical trial challenges, CRISPR's potential in treating various diseases, including cancers and genetic disorders, is expanding. Innovations in delivery methods and regulatory approaches are key to future advancements.