Breaking multidrug resistance: Rediscovering phage therapy and delivery strategies

Antibiotics revolutionized modern medicine, transforming once-lethal infections into treatable conditions. However, their widespread overuse and misuse in both human and veterinary settings, coupled with inadequate infection control and environmental factors, has led to a dramatic rise in antimicrobial resistance. Today, antimicrobial resistance is considered one of the most urgent global health threats of the 21st century. The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens, which significantly limit treatment options, underscores the critical need for alternative antibacterial strategies effective against resistant bacteria. In this context, bacteriophages, viruses that selectively infect and kill bacteria, are experiencing a well-deserved resurgence as a promising therapeutic tool. This review begins with a brief overview of the historical development of bacteriophage therapy, then focuses on the key barriers that currently limit its widespread adoption in human health. Special attention is given to regulatory frameworks, highlighting current limitations and future needs. Furthermore, the review provides an in-depth analysis of the latest advancements in bacteriophage delivery systems, emphasizing the role of innovative formulation technologies in enhancing phage stability, targeted delivery, and overall therapeutic efficacy.