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EF: What inspired you to found Proteon Pharmaceuticals, coming from an academic background?
JD: My orientation has always been more towards engineering than pure science. I find great satisfaction in transforming scientific discoveries into practical solutions, effectively bridging the crucial gap between theoretical advancements and their practical and tangible applications. The synergy between science and technology is fundamental, and I believe in harnessing this power to address critical challenges. In my perspective, technological advancement is not just an option; it is a necessity for tackling problems and driving progress. While there may be individuals who can live without technology, society as a whole must seize the future through the strategic use of technology. Proactively managing our collective future requires not only the adoption of existing technology but also the strategic leverage of cutting-edge advancements and a commitment to continuous learning. This philosophy was the driving force behind the creation of Proteon Pharmaceuticals. We are dedicated to leveraging technology as a powerful tool to address global health challenges and shaping a future where technology is a driving force for positive change.
EF: What discoveries and technologies are you bringing with Proteon to the market today?
JD: At the forefront of our endeavors is a deep exploration of naturally occurring bacteriophages, viruses that target and infect bacteria. Our understanding of bacteriophages has evolved extensively since they were co-discovered a century ago independently by two scientists: Frederick Twort and Félix d'Hérelle. When taking on real-world problems in product development, we encounter gaps and misconceptions rooted in a century-old concept of bacteriophage therapy, bridging the gap between a strong scientific foundation, the traditional bacteriophage therapy concepts, and current scientific knowledge.
Central to our approach is the crucial characterization of bacteriophages, predominantly through advanced DNA and genomic analysis methods embedded in our technological platform. Analyzing bacteriophage DNA is not a simple task, involving understanding their life cycles - whether lytic or lysogenic. This requires the meticulous analysis of DNA or genomes, often featuring novel or unique sequences, where AI and genomics play pivotal roles in rapidly analyzing and solving the meaning of bacteriophage’s genome sequences effectively.
On the flip side, our contribution extends to the creation of products utilizing naturally occurring bacteriophage features – a process laden with challenges. Combining bacteriophages forms a new entity with potential synergies or conflicts. Rationally designing bacteriophage cocktails is a crucial part of our innovation. We prioritize strict product standardization and rigorous quality control, particularly in the handling of bacteria and bacteriophages.
These pioneering efforts are underscored by the absence of established regulations, making quality control a meticulous process involving navigating through time-consuming validation processes. Uniquely positioned, we are dedicated to modernizing century-old technology, aligning it with current industry standards by developing modern analytical methods and manufacturing processes.
EF: How do you see the potential technology being used to address antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria?
JD: Bacteriophages are a promising solution to the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis, viewed not merely as a medical but predominantly an environmental challenge, that stems from introducing chemicals into the environment leading to late side effects. Antibiotics inadvertently contributed to AMR by creating a shift in the evolutionary pressure on bacteria. Bacteriophages, in contrast, are more adaptable and offer a dynamic alternative to persistent antibiotics. They hold the potential to address this ongoing crisis effectively. Bacteriophages target highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria as effectively as other bacteria. It can help address the AMR crisis by preventing the spread and release of antibiotic resistance genes so,. It goes beyond a simple replacement.
Beyond AMR, bacteriophages offer additional advantages in both animal and human applications. Their subtle and precise approach becomes especially valuable in areas where wide-spectrum antibiotics might be counterproductive by damaging the microbiome. The concept transcends merely substituting antibiotics with bacteriophages - it involves exploring their broader potential. Bacteriophages could complement antibiotic treatments to tackle AMR or reduce the release of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in specific settings. Additionally, they can be applied as nutraceuticals, protecting the microbiome in various applications. While the urgency of AMR drives the necessity for these applications, there are further benefits to be explored in advancing bacteriophage technology.
EF: Could you elaborate on how Proteon is growing?
JD: Our company has recently made two substantial investments, signifying a strategic expansion of our capabilities. Firstly, we enhanced our R&D endeavors by inaugurating the Centre for Bacteriophage Biotechnology in 2023, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Secondly, we are excited to announce the upcoming launch of our manufacturing factory in India at the beginning of 2024. This facility marks a significant step, granting us access to various regional markets. Operating in India poses its own set of challenges, which we adeptly manage through our well-established subsidiary, Proteon Pharmaceuticals India. These strategic initiatives not only reflect our company's continual growth but also support strategic alliances and entrance into promising new markets. By strengthening our manufacturing presence in India, we are strategically positioning ourselves for future success.
EF: Where do you see the industry going with bacteriophage in the next five to ten years?
JD: Bacteriophages, given their complexity, play a crucial role in the microbiome, much like the importance of big data in scientific research. The challenge lies in comprehending the vast amount of data generated from microbiome analysis. This complexity represents an exciting new frontier for both the scientific community and industry. While handling such extensive data remains a significant challenge, the ongoing development of tools holds the promise to profoundly transform our approach.
This marks a revolutionary moment where tools are being developed to navigate the complexity of microbiome structures and information. The application of self-learning algorithms and AI is going to play a critical role in developing bacteriophage-based solutions. That is not limited to treating wounds or infectious diseases. Bacteriophage solutions have the potential to bridge the gap between nutraceuticals and medical applications, with a focus on gut health and overall well-being. Moreover, bacteriophage technology is showing promise in the exploration of non-infectious diseases, where the roles of non-eukaryotic organisms are yet to be fully understood.
I am optimistic that Proteon Pharmaceutical will play a vital role in this evolving biotechnological landscape. Our challenges include the need for validation and overcoming past setbacks. Introducing bacteriophage solutions to the global market is a substantial step forward, but advancing it further requires significant resources and intellectual capacity.
