In a world where antibiotic resistance is growing every year, humanity is forced to seek alternatives to conventional treatment methods. Phage therapy—a method of using bacteriophages, or bacterial viruses as they are also called, to destroy pathogenic microorganisms—is becoming one such life-saving solution. But how prepared is Ukrainian healthcare to implement this type of treatment? Can we become leaders in Eastern Europe in the fight against dangerous infections with the help of these microscopic allies?

The history of phage therapy in the Ukrainian context

Few people know, but Ukraine has a long history of using bacteriophages. During the Soviet era, Georgia and Ukraine were the sites of extensive phage research. The Kyiv Institute of Microbiology was once a center for phage research. Unfortunately, with the advent of antibiotics, interest in this field waned. Although these viruses were still used in rare cases, their widespread clinical use virtually disappeared.

Today, with renewed interest in alternatives to antibiotics, Ukrainian scientists, pharmacists, and doctors are once again turning their attention to the potential of phages. Research projects, clinical trials, and the development of domestic production of phage cocktails to combat bacteria are underway.

Why now?

The reason is obvious: antibiotic resistance has become a real threat to global health. Every year, thousands of patients worldwide die not from new diseases, but from familiar infections that are no longer treatable. This problem is also pressing in Ukraine, especially in the context of war, when hospitals frequently deal with wounds infected with drug-resistant bacteria.

Our microscopic allies, bacteriophages, have extremely narrow specificity. They can destroy only certain bacterial strains without harming other cells in the body. This makes them ideal candidates for treatment, especially when antibiotics are ineffective.

Israel, Poland, France, the United States—phages are returning to clinical practice around the world. What about Ukraine?

Challenges and Potential: Phage Therapy in Ukrainian Realities

Despite the research potential, phage therapy in Ukraine faces a number of obstacles. First, there is a lack of a regulatory framework. Ukraine lacks a clear mechanism for the registration, quality control, and clinical testing of phage preparations. Some medical institutions use them at their own risk, often as part of experimental treatments or as a "last resort" for patients with severe infections.

Secondly, there's a shortage of specialists. Not all doctors are familiar enough with phage therapy to confidently prescribe it to patients. And patients don't always believe in the effectiveness of "good viruses." A large-scale educational campaign is needed to change the attitudes of both doctors and the public.

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Ukrainian research centers, particularly in Kharkiv and Kyiv, are actively researching bacteria hunters and experimenting with new ways to use them. Discussions are underway on international collaboration, including sharing experience with European clinics.

Are the pharmaceutical industry and the government ready for change?

Another key issue is attracting pharmaceutical companies. Currently, Ukraine has several private laboratories producing phages. However, the lack of large-scale industrial production prevents the country's hospitals from receiving the necessary quantities of the drug.

Phage therapy in Ukraine no longer seems like science fiction—it's a real possibility. Despite all the difficulties, we have a scientific foundation, a historical base, and a pressing need. With the right regulation and funding, good viruses can become a key tool in the fight against drug-resistant infections. Then our country can not only catch up with medical progress but also set a new direction for its development.

Furthermore, public healthcare policy must take into account the latest trends in global medicine. If the government introduces appropriate regulations, standardization, and supports research, Ukraine could not only catch up but even surpass other countries in the implementation of phage therapy.

The existence of war creates paradoxical conditions: on the one hand, resources are limited, on the other, the demand for new treatments is enormous. This is a unique moment for experimentation, development, and implementation of solutions that would be put off for years in peacetime.

What does it take to break through?

For phage therapy in Ukraine to reach a new level, several components are needed:

1. Legislative regulation – clear instructions, standards, control mechanisms.
2. Medical education – updating university programs, training sessions, and seminars.
3. Investments—both public and private. Research, production, clinical trials.
4. Information campaign – for the public and professional community.

Furthermore, it is essential to engage international partners. Ukraine offers an excellent testing ground for personalized phage therapy, especially for traumatic wounds, burns, and chronic infections.