[giantg2]

Sounds interesting. If I'm understanding this correctly, these peptides target a wide range of 'bad' pathogens. Does that include things other than bacteria?

What benefits do these peptides have over other emerging therapies, such as phages?

[ishishah]

Thank you! Yes, absolutely. Some of our candidate peptides impact bacteria across the spectrum and we are in the process of evaluating effects on viruses, specifically because the vaginal infections predispose patients to other secondary viral infections, and increased rates of HIV acquisition. In terms of benefits over other emerging therapies, we are focused on the safety aspect to the host and importantly, selectivity (differentiation between pathogenic and commensal bacteria), so that return to homeostasis is fast(er). Btw, I'm a fan of phages. But per our particular application, we belive it is best to move a bit away from "precision" as vaginosis and the umbrella of secondary infections are polymicrobial to a great extent.

[giantg2]

Great, thanks!