{"id":4182,"date":"2024-03-12T11:02:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-12T11:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/?p=4182"},"modified":"2026-03-12T11:14:01","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T11:14:01","slug":"case-study-exploring-alternatives-to-using-antibiotics-to-treating-utis-and-sepsis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/2024\/03\/12\/case-study-exploring-alternatives-to-using-antibiotics-to-treating-utis-and-sepsis\/","title":{"rendered":"Case Study: Exploring alternatives to using antibiotics to treating UTIs and sepsis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Urinary tract infections are one of the leading causes of sepsis within the UK, which in turn is one of the leading causes of death. With the rise in antibacterial resistance alternatives to common place antibiotics are needed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Swansea-based team has explored one alternative,&nbsp;phage therapy, using bacteriophages, viruses which infect bacteria, to treat infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are multiple requirements to bring these therapies to market including optimising their formulation and stabilisation for use in a clinical setting.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Swansea University\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.swansea.ac.uk\/medicine\/enterprise-and-innovation\/business-support-projects\/accelerate-healthcare-technology-centre\/\">Healthcare Technology Centre<\/a>\u00a0(HTC), as part of the Accelerate programme, has collaborated with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/iosbio.com\/\">iosBio\u00a0Ltd<\/a>, and\u00a0Prof Martha\u00a0Clokie\u00a0and Dr Melissa Haines\u00a0from\u00a0University of Leicester to explore\u00a0the stabilisation of three clinically relevant\u00a0phages\u00a0for use against\u00a0urinary tract infections (UTI)\u00a0pathogens.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As there is currently little knowledge on the best excipients for formulating\u00a0phages\u00a0for long-term storage, distribution and medical applications,\u00a0HTC were contacted for academic support and produced a comprehensive\u00a0literature review of current excipients tested for use with phage stabilisation.\u00a0iosBio formulated three different\u00a0phages\u00a0against clinically relevant UTI pathogens into two different formulations. HTC then tested these formulations using a range of techniques to establish their effect on phage recovery and subsequent activity.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This&nbsp;collaboration highlighted the impact of the formulations used both on the recovery of the phage following the drying process and in the range of activity of the phage cocktail. These results have demonstrated a need for further research into how the formulation of&nbsp;phages&nbsp;will be important in determining their storage, distribution and medical application. The literature review also detailed alternative excipients which could be utilised moving forward within this process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Jeffrey Drew Chief Scientific Officer at iosBio&nbsp;Ltd,&nbsp;said:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cThis was a brilliant opportunity to explore another application of our technology. Hopefully with this great PoC data we will be able to expand upon the work to date\u201d.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Melissa Haines, NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology at the University of Leicester, said:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis was an excellent opportunity provided to progress a collaboration.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Urinary tract infections are one of the leading causes of sepsis within the UK, which in turn is one of the leading causes of death. With the rise in antibacterial resistance alternatives to common place antibiotics are needed. A Swansea-based team has explored one alternative,&nbsp;phage therapy, using bacteriophages, viruses which infect bacteria, to treat infections. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":190346150,"featured_media":4184,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_first_post":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"{title}\n\n{excerpt}\n\n{url}","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1367],"tags":[1375,1368],"class_list":["post-4182","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-case-study","tag-health","tag-research"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pfwlnl-15s","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":4148,"url":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/2024\/03\/11\/case-study-using-ultraviolet-light-to-sterilise-dental-surgeries\/","url_meta":{"origin":4182,"position":0},"title":"Case Study: Using ultraviolet light to sterilise dental surgeries","author":"meganchick1","date":"11th March 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Dental practices and other healthcare services need to sterilise their surgeries after each patient due to the risk of infection. A method of speeding up this process was developed by scientists at Swansea University Medical School's Healthcare Technology Centre in collaboration with Cambria Dental Practice. Some dental practices product tiny\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Case Study&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Case Study","link":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/category\/case-study\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wordpress-1-1.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wordpress-1-1.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wordpress-1-1.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wordpress-1-1.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wordpress-1-1.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2520,"url":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/2025\/02\/20\/case-study-enhancing-infection-control-in-healthcare\/","url_meta":{"origin":4182,"position":1},"title":"Case Study: Enhancing Infection Control in Healthcare","author":"meganchick1","date":"20th February 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Accelerating Healthcare Innovation: Vitec Microgenix Ltd and the Pentre Awel Project Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) remain a significant global challenge, exacerbated by the growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). These infections compromise patient safety and impose substantial financial burdens on healthcare systems. Addressing this pressing issue, Vitec Microgenix Ltd (VML) has\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Case Study&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Case Study","link":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/category\/case-study\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Vitec.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Vitec.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Vitec.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Vitec.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Vitec.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4173,"url":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/2025\/11\/06\/case-study-early-intervention-of-hepatitis-c-treatment-within-marginalised-patient-groups\/","url_meta":{"origin":4182,"position":2},"title":"Case Study: Early Intervention of hepatitis C Treatment within Marginalised Patient Groups","author":"meganchick1","date":"6th November 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Hepatitis C is an infectious virus which particularly affects marginalised and vulnerable populations such as homeless people. It may have become more widespread during COVID-19. Untreated, hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Testing and early intervention of this disease can help to reduce the occurrence\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Case Study&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Case Study","link":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/category\/case-study\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wordpress-6.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wordpress-6.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wordpress-6.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wordpress-6.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wordpress-6.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2932,"url":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/2025\/07\/10\/case-study-protecting-neurons-in-multiple-sclerosis\/","url_meta":{"origin":4182,"position":3},"title":"Case Study: Protecting Neurons in Multiple Sclerosis","author":"meganchick1","date":"10th July 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Dr Owain Howell\u00a0and his team at\u00a0Swansea University are using stem cell-derived neurons and gene analysis to explore new ways of protecting brain cells from degeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS), aiming to develop therapies that directly target neuron survival. MS is a life-altering neurological condition that affects over 130,000 people in\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Case Study&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Case Study","link":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/category\/case-study\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Wordpress-3.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Wordpress-3.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Wordpress-3.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Wordpress-3.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Wordpress-3.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2846,"url":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/2025\/05\/21\/case-study-harnessing-gut-brain-signalling-to-boost-cognitive-health-in-parkinsons-dementia\/","url_meta":{"origin":4182,"position":4},"title":"Case Study: Harnessing Gut-Brain Signalling to Boost Cognitive Health in Parkinson\u2019s Dementia","author":"meganchick1","date":"21st May 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Groundbreaking research at Swansea University is exploring the vital connection between gut hormones and brain function research that could pave the way for new treatments for cognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases. Dr Jeff Davies, Associate Professor in Molecular Neurobiology, is leading the effort to better understand how appetite-regulating hormones affect\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Case Study&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Case Study","link":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/category\/case-study\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Wordpress-3.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Wordpress-3.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Wordpress-3.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Wordpress-3.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Wordpress-3.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4160,"url":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/2024\/03\/11\/case-study-developing-a-prototype-peripheral-intravenous-therapy-monitoring-device\/","url_meta":{"origin":4182,"position":5},"title":"Case Study: Developing a prototype peripheral intravenous therapy monitoring device","author":"meganchick1","date":"11th March 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"SenseIV is a multidisciplinary team developing wearable technology for healthcare to empower patients and staff in the use of peripheral intravenous therapy. The existing devices are fitted to patients of all types, from newborn to the elderly, to deliver intravenous fluids ranging from relatively harmless saline solutions through to the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Case Study&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Case Study","link":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/category\/case-study\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wordpress-3-2.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wordpress-3-2.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wordpress-3-2.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wordpress-3-2.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wordpress-3-2.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wordpress-8.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4182","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/190346150"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4182"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4182\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4185,"href":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4182\/revisions\/4185"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4184"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4182"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4182"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4182"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}