Terapica

TERAPICA — Antibacterial therapies alternative to antibiotics, based on the use of phage preparations, for the prevention of chronic infections caused by pathogenic bacteria — was created to address one of the main challenges of contemporary medicine: the growing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics. The widespread and often improper use of antibiotics has contributed to the increase of resistant bacterial strains, making the prevention and treatment of many infections more complex. In this scenario, the development of alternative solutions represents a highly relevant field of research, for both human and animal health. The project focuses on the use of bacteriophages, natural viruses capable of recognising and targeting specific pathogenic bacteria. This technology appears particularly promising because it enables targeted action, reducing the use of antibiotics and helping to combat antibiotic resistance. TERAPICA paid specific attention to cancer patients, who are often more vulnerable to infections due to weakened conditions and reduced immune defences linked to therapeutic treatments. In this context, a phage cocktail was developed to act selectively on the bacterium of interest, Campylobacter jejuni, without worsening the already delicate condition of the patient. The project integrated expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, histology, immunohistochemistry, patenting and technology transfer. MAREA SCARL contributed expertise in microbiology, bacteriophage culture and characterisation, technical-scientific and engineering skills, patenting and technology transfer. The project website also indicates the involvement of the Istituto Zooprofilattico del Mezzogiorno and the University of Naples Federico II – Department of Veterinary Medicine. TERAPICA therefore represents an applied research pathway focused on developing innovative solutions for infection control, with the aim of proposing a valid alternative to the use of antibiotics and contributing to the reduction of antibiotic resistance.