Locus Biosciences, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing precision-engineered bacteriophage therapies for bacterial diseases, has announced a research collaboration with Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ: VTRS), a global healthcare company, to develop next-generation antibacterial treatments for serious ophthalmic infections. The partnership aims to address a growing public health challenge driven by the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens affecting the eye. Under the terms of the agreement, Locus and Viatris will work together to create targeted bacteriophage-based therapeutics designed to selectively eliminate harmful bacteria responsible for severe eye infections while preserving beneficial microbial communities. This focus on precision targeting is critical in ophthalmology, where maintaining the natural microbiome of the eye is essential to prevent complications and support long-term eye health. Locus’s proprietary platform combines predictive artificial intelligence, high-throughput robotics, and synthetic biology to rapidly design and optimize bacteriophage cocktails. The company leverages CRISPR-Cas3 and other programmable therapeutic payloads to engineer phages that specifically target pathogenic bacteria, offering a potential alternative to broad-spectrum antibiotics. “This partnership with Viatris marks a significant milestone for Locus as we bring our world-leading bacteriophage therapy platform into the field of ophthalmology,” said Paul Garofolo, Co-founder and CEO of Locus Biosciences. “Targeted therapies are urgently needed to combat the rising burden of antimicrobial resistance in eye infections. We’re proud to collaborate with Viatris to accelerate the development of new precision medicines for patients in dire need.” The collaboration reflects a broader shift in the healthcare industry toward innovative solutions for antimicrobial resistance, a global crisis exacerbated by decades of underinvestment in new antibacterial treatments. Phage therapy, once largely overlooked, is gaining renewed attention as a promising alternative or complement to traditional antibiotics—particularly for infections where conventional treatments are failing. Locus Biosciences is advancing a pipeline of precision biotherapeutics for a range of bacterial and microbiome-related conditions. Its lead clinical candidate, LBP-EC01, is currently in Phase 2 trials for the treatment of urinary tract infections. The company has also secured non-dilutive funding and support from key U.S. agencies, including the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and the Combatting Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Accelerator (CARB-X), to further develop its pipeline. For more information, visit www.locus-bio.com.