Antibiotic resistance crisis
Using viruses to fight bacterial infections
Medicine is going viral …
Antibiotics save lives, but more and more bacteria are becoming resistant to them. In Switzerland, too, there are people who, despite years of treatment, suffer from chronic infections or die from acute infections due to antibiotic resistance.
In some cases, treatment with phages could help. Phages are viruses that specifically target bacteria. Phage therapy is not authorised in Switzerland. Although it may be used in emergencies under strict rules, for various reasons this happens very rarely here – in contrast to some other countries, such as Belgium.
… should switzerland follow this example?
The Phage Therapy Forum project raises this question for discussion and convenes key stakeholders:
- Healthcare professionals, patients, regulators, policy makers
- And you! Join in the discussion!
the topics in question
Is there a need to provide better care for patients with untreatable bacterial infections – and what role might phage therapy play in this?
Are measures needed to make phage therapy treatments more accessible in Switzerland?
What challenges arise?
Participate in one of the two forums taking place in Mai 2026.
As a Swiss project, our main languages are German and French. However, we are delighted to welcome all people who speak other languages. We try to provide as much information in English as our means allow. At the invitation of IFAPP TODAY, we wrote a short report on the first two forums, which took place in January and February 2026. It provides a good overview of the project, its activities and objectives.
Key facts
You can find all the important information in our information sheet.
New film about phage therapy in switzerland
José-Maria Vidal talks about the suffering of those affected and how doctors and researchers at Geneva University Hospital saved his life. The film explores the opportunities and limitations of phage therapy and takes a look at Belgium, which has developed regulations to facilitate phage treatments. The film was commissioned by the Forum on Genetic Research of the Swiss Academy of Sciences.
Untreatable infections can affect anyone
Diabetes as a risk factor
People with diabetes often develop foot infections («diabetic foot»). The bacteria responsible are often resistant to antibiotics or develop resistance during the course of treatment.
Artificial joints
Despite precautionary measures, infections can occur following the insertion of artificial joints and other implants, and these are often difficult to treat. Amputations may result.
Cancer
Many cancer treatments and other modern medical therapies weaken the immune system. This may lead to infections that are difficult to treat or even fatal.
Cystic fibrosis
Congenital conditions such as cystic fibrosis (CF) can lead to chronic infections. Between 800 and 1000 people in Switzerland live with CF.
Urinary tract infections (UTI)
Some people suffer from persistent bladder infections that flare up time and again over the years.
respiratory tract
Sinus infections can also become chronic. Antibiotics are then of limited effectiveness.
unwanted souvenirs
Studies show that Swiss people returning from countries with serious antibiotic resistance problems bring resistant germs back home with them. In the case of India, the figure was over 85 per cent. Often, the resistant bacteria disappear from a person’s own flora again. However, they can infect people with weakened immune systems.
further content of the website available in german and french
Phage action for schools
A focus of the project is on workshops for lower and upper secondary school students. They work alongside researchers to hunt for phages and explore the social issues raised by the project.
Voices
Patients and healthcare professionals talk about the impact of untreatable infections and their experiences with phage therapy. Expert views on how phage therapy should be implemented.
talk to us
Send us your comments or ask questions.