University of Florida Grants Exclusive Worldwide License to Phageolytix for Breakthrough Phage Therapy Technology
UF research advances global fight against antibiotic-resistant infections through strategic industry partnership
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – July 14, 2025 – The University of Florida has granted an exclusive worldwide license to Phageolytix, a biotechnology company specializing in innovative antimicrobial solutions, for multi-indication treatments with bacteriophage cocktails developed by UF researchers. This strategic partnership will accelerate the translation of cutting-edge university research into commercial therapeutic solutions addressing the critical global challenge of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
Translating UF Research into Life-Saving Treatments
The licensed technology, developed by researchers in the University of Florida’s College of Medicine-Jacksonville, represents a breakthrough in phage-based cocktail therapy. Phage-based cocktail therapy is a medical treatment using a combination of bacteriophages—viruses that specifically infect and kill bacteria—to target and eliminate bacterial infections, particularly those resistant to antibiotics.
This innovation addresses one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time, as multidrug-resistant bacterial infections affect millions of patients worldwide and continue to grow in prevalence.
“This licensing agreement exemplifies the University of Florida’s commitment to translating our world-class research into solutions that can make a real difference in patients’ lives,” said Jim O’Connell, assistant vice president of commercialization at the University of Florida. “Our hope is that Phageolytix will help bring this important technology from the laboratory to the clinic, where it can help save lives.”
Advancing University Research Through Strategic Partnership
The exclusive worldwide licensing agreement enables Phageolytix to further develop and commercialize the UF-developed technology through preclinical and clinical development stages. This partnership leverages the University of Florida’s leadership in infectious disease and respiratory disease research with Phageolytix’s proven expertise in developing and commercializing innovative antimicrobial solutions.
“We are proud to partner with Phageolytix to advance this critical research,” said Mingder Yang, assistant director of life sciences at UF Innovate | Tech Licensing. “This collaboration demonstrates the real-world impact of university research and our ability to work with industry partners to address urgent healthcare needs.”
The lead researcher on the project, Mehdi Mirsaeidi, MD, MPH, ATSF, Professor of Medicine and Chief, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep at UF, noted, “Seeing our research move from the laboratory toward potential clinical applications is incredibly rewarding. This partnership with Phageolytix provides the expertise and resources needed to translate our discoveries into treatments that could help patients facing life-threatening infections.”
Supporting Innovation in Antimicrobial Research
Under the licensing agreement, Phageolytix will manufacture GMP-grade phage cocktails, as well as conduct the pre-clinical and clinical studies necessary for obtaining marketing approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as other global regulatory agencies.
This licensing agreement reflects the University of Florida’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the translation of university research into commercial applications that benefit society. The partnership also underscores UF’s leadership in antimicrobial research and its role in addressing global health challenges.
About University of Florida Research
The University of Florida is a top-tier research institution and a leader in translating scientific discoveries into real-world applications. UF has established itself as a premier center for innovation and discoveries, with numerous breakthrough discoveries in human-related fields. The university’s commitment to innovation and technology transfer has resulted in numerous successful partnerships that bring UF research to market.
Through UF Innovate | Tech Licensing, the university actively seeks partnerships with industry to commercialize faculty innovations and ensure that groundbreaking research reaches those who can benefit most from these discoveries.
About Phageolytix
Phageolytix is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative phage-based therapeutics to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Founded in 2023, the company combines cutting-edge research with proven development expertise to advance personalized antimicrobial solutions for patients with limited treatment options. For more information, visit www.phageolytix.com.
UF Innovate | Tech Licensing Contact: Sara Dagen, assistant director of communications, University of Florida Phone: 352-294-0998 Email: saradagen@ufl.edu
Phageolytix Contact: Saeid Rezvankhah, COO Email: s.rezvankhah@phageolytix.com