Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Accepted
Paragraph: 49
Funders show reticence towards promising phage research despite general acceptance
Conclusion
However, the apparent reticence of funders to commit to phages is despite a general acceptance in the evidence we took that phages show promise and need more research alongside clinical trials. It is important to understand and reflect on the reasons for this. The recently established Innovate UK Phage Knowledge Transfer Network may provide such a forum for funders and phage researchers to discuss these matters.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government welcomed the UK KTN Phage Innovation Network's role and stated it would consider its report recommendations, but clarified it does not plan a public response. It highlighted the existing AMR Funders Forum, chaired by the MRC, as the body that supports coordination of AMR research.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
49
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted
As stated above, DHSC works closely with the NIHR and UKRI to monitor the research and clinical trial pipeline for antimicrobials and alternative therapies. DHSC commissions research through NIHR. NIHR does not routinely ringfence funding for specific conditions or research areas but welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including bacteriophages. These applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money and scientific quality. In all disease areas, the amount of NIHR funding depends on the volume and quality of scientific activity. As outlined in evidence provided to the committee, the Medical Research Council (MRC) received very few applications for phage research in the last decade. However, with the growing interest from the Phage KTN, this inquiry, and the launch of the Centre of Phage Research in Leicester, among other initiatives, there are positive signs for the future of phage research. NIHR focuses on early translational research, clinical research, and applied health and social care research. NIHR and DHSC are working closely with UKRI to explore approaches to improve capacity for phage research in the UK. Through fora such as the AMR funders forum, research funders including the NIHR can explore possible collaborative approaches to research funding for phages.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗