Success Stories

The Laboratory of Morphology and Biology of Phages was established simultaneously with the foundation of the G. Eliava Institute of Bacteriophages in 1923. From the beginning, its purpose was to conduct scientific-research work related to bacteriophages involving isolation of bacteriophages, to research their biological properties and a range of activities that allowed for the use of phages against infectious diseases in medical practice.
The Laboratory was one of the basic initiators directing attention to the production of therapeutic-preventive and diagnostic preparations and their application. The laboratory continues this tradition as well as conducts other research including elaboration of the technology of mono and combined preparations, their development, expanding their range of activities and making direct contact with therapeutic medical institutions. The principal aim of this STCU project is to improve the complex preparations created with naturally occurring agents, such as bacteriophages and antifungal substances, and to obtain a new generation of biocomposites, using biodegradable poly (ester amide) s as a matrix. Such products provide a novel approach to management of poorly vascularized wounds (i.e. diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers in nursing home patients, tropic ulcers, etc.). Use of antibiotics in this setting are generally not efficacious since due to poor vascularization, antibiotics can seldom penetrate to affected areas at high enough levels to eradicate infection. Due to the recurrent courses of antibiotics that these patients have received, the bacterial pathogens causing the infection are often also antibiotic resistant. At the Laboratory various technological processes have been elaborated producing the following combined preparations:
1. Intesti phage (against intestinal infections)
2. Phyophage (against purulent infections)
3. Mikolis (combined preparation against bacterial and fungous diseases)
4. Bacteriophage iDG.i (Combined preparation of a broad range against purulent diseases)
5. Bhagobioderm (combined phage preparation of a prolonged action on the base of biodegraded
polymer against purulent infections). Interest in this product has been expressed by Intralytix,
Inc., a US company located in Baltimore working on commercialization of bacteriophage products.
A patent application for this preparation has been fielded to the US Patent and Trademark Office
and is awaiting approval.