Phage therapy, employed to prevent and control pathogenic bacteria, has long been a beacon of hope for food safety and environmental sustainability. HEDROS-BIO, at the forefront of this innovative technology, has achieved a crucial and historic milestone by collaborating with SENASICA to draft the Mexican regulatory framework for the bacteriophage technology category.
Despite the undeniable advantages of phages in disease prevention, the lack of regulation has been a barrier. Since 2020, HEDROS-BIO has spearheaded the development of phage-based alternatives, focusing on reducing pathogens that threaten food safety and pose environmental risks.
According to the authorities, the use of phages must be supported by robust pillars of biosafety and environmental protection. Among the concerns discussed include avoiding the transmission of virulence factors, ensuring proper characterization and standardization of the formulations, and ensuring efficacy.
In a meeting on January 11, 2024, the HEDROS-BIO team, led by Aristóbulo Loaiza, Sergio Martínez, and Mauricio Flores, were hosted by the SENASICA health authorities in Mexico City to discuss the incorporation of bacteriophage technologies in Mexico. A mutual commitment was established to exchange data, information and experiences, paving the way for a regulatory framework that will allow national producers to adopt bacteriophage technologies.
As a first step, HEDROS-BIO will introduce a phage cocktail aimed at controlling vibrio in aquaculture production facilities, marking a significant advance in reducing losses faced by producers in the sector. This is a fundamental achievement in the quest for sustainable, safe and effective solutions in the Mexican aquaculture industry.
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