START Phage WA

START Phage (Strategic Taskforce for treatment of Antimicrobial Resistant bacteria with Targeted phage) WA was formed in June 2021 to pave the way towards treating AMR infections with phage therapy in Western Australia.

Members of the taskforce include infectious diseases doctors, microbiologists, respiratory doctors, scientists, a pharmacist, members of the public and a representative member from the Health Department of WA.  

START Phage WA is led by Associate Professor Anthony Kicic, who lead the WA node of Phage Australia. START Phage WA has advanced phage therapy locally, identifying phage therapy priorities, navigating implementation requirements and providing phage therapy education via Phage Therapy Information Evenings.

Due to its strong clinical links, START Phage WA has now developed a phage pipeline relevant to AMR infections at local hospitals.