Phage Therapy ( alternative of antibiotics) for MAC lung infection

@kathyjjb
I think I remember him saying the Phage allowed the antibiotics to penetrate and work. So in other words both were used and it was a success.

Phages are specific to a bacteria. Each type of bacteria needs a different phage. As far as I know, the only NTM that they have found a phage for is abscesses. They also have found phage for pseudomonas aeruginosa. I, too, hope we can all benefit from phage therapy one day, without accompanying antibiotics. UC San Diego was doing phage treatment a few years ago. Not sure if that program is still going on, but you can certainly read their website. https://idgph.ucsd.edu/research/center-innovative-phage-applications-and-therapeutics/index.html. In my opinion the pharmaceutical industry doesn’t want phages to be available. Here’s a fascinating BBC video. https://youtu.be/bmKMIP91lTE

Phages are specific to a bacteria. Each type of bacteria needs a different phage. As far as I know, the only NTM that they have found a phage for is abscesses. They also have found phage for pseudomonas aeruginosa. I, too, hope we can all benefit from phage therapy one day, without accompanying antibiotics. UC San Diego was doing phage treatment a few years ago. Not sure if that program is still going on, but you can certainly read their website. https://idgph.ucsd.edu/research/center-innovative-phage-applications-and-therapeutics/index.html. In my opinion the pharmaceutical industry doesn’t want phages to be available. Here’s a fascinating BBC video. https://youtu.be/bmKMIP91lTE

I am very interested in Phage therapy. There is a trial going on in US. If I find the link about it I will post. I know they use it for Pseudomonas. With chronic Pseudo, Phage therapy can knock it back much like antibiotics (but not usually clear it).

@irenea8

Do you have more info about Phage therapy. I’ve had a terrible time taking Ethambutol and Rifampin and was told to stop taking azithromycin. I’m concerned about what else is available for treatment for MAC. I’m hoping to be eligible for Arikayce but it’s very expensive. I’m discouraged and hope there is something that will help with my lung infection. .Thanks

@irenea8

Do you have more info about Phage therapy. I’ve had a terrible time taking Ethambutol and Rifampin and was told to stop taking azithromycin. I’m concerned about what else is available for treatment for MAC. I’m hoping to be eligible for Arikayce but it’s very expensive. I’m discouraged and hope there is something that will help with my lung infection. .Thanks

@yayoek
That is an old post. I am really not up to date on Phage trials going on in USA for MAC. Did you try using AI to research any trials going on? I did a quick search and got this:

@yayoek There is an assistance fund for Arikayce where it costs very little to eligible patients. I will look later today for the phone number. Irene5

@irene5
Thanks again for your suggestion. I’ve applied for Arikayce but my pulmonologist is still battling my insurance company. Arikayce said I have to exhaust all possible insurance denials before I can be considered for help.

@yayoek Goodness. When I was on it I had Medicare and United Healthcare which I still have. It was covered with those and what they didn’t pay the Arikayce Assistance Fund paid. I’ll still send you the number later today after I hopefully warm up enough to look in the basement MAC bin. It’s 22 here today. Too cold for my bones. :)Irene5